Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Student Conservation Association • Salamanca, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Allegany Region SCA Education Steward develops and delivers interpretive programs for onsite audiences in the Allegany Region. Topics may include local wildlife, birds, plants, invasive species, erosion, water quality, and recreation such as fishing, disc golf, nature crafts, and kayaking. The member will also develop an event from start to finish. During the peak season, the member will assist educators and learn to craft programs at Allegany, Lake Erie, Midway, and Long Point State Parks, and will design, present, and help promote regional programs, including several during the 10–11-week summer programming schedule. The member may assist with school groups and special events, including Love My Park Day, Kick Off Summer, and National Public Lands Day.

This is a 10-month SCA AmeriCorps service position hosted by Allegany State Park, NYS OPRHP, in Salamanca, New York. The role is primarily in a front-country setting, though emergency services may be delayed by 1–2 hours. Members regularly interact with the public. Public transportation is limited or unavailable at the work site, and cell reception may be limited or unavailable. The schedule is 40 hours per week, from January 25, 2027, through November 24, 2027. A one-bedroom cabin with a kitchen, bathroom, and member parking is provided adjacent to the Camp Allegany Nature Center.

Compensation includes a $500 weekly living allowance and eligibility for free health insurance and AmeriCorps childcare assistance. Qualifying members may be eligible for federal student-loan forbearance and interest-payment deferment. Successful completion of the 1,700-hour AmeriCorps requirement qualifies the member for a $7,395 education award. Allowances are subject to applicable taxes. Training includes SCA and AmeriCorps orientation, risk management, Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, outdoor educator and interpretive training, Leave No Trace Level 1, ACA Level 1 Canoe Training, and Certified Interpretive Guide training.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal-background, sex-offender, and FBI checks after an offer.
• For NY OPRHP vehicle operation, possess a current and valid driver's license for the vehicle operated, provide a state DMV driver abstract, and pass NY State OPRHP driver training.
• For SCA vehicle operation, possess a current and valid driver's license for the vehicle operated, have at least three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience, be at least 21 years old, pass an MVR check upon hire and annually thereafter, and pass SCA driver training, including online and behind-the-wheel assessment components.
• Complete the 1,700-hour AmeriCorps service requirement for the full-time award.

Nice To Haves

• A valid driver's license is required; having a personal vehicle is recommended because of the location.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver onsite interpretive programs in the Allegany Region.
• Create and organize an event from start to finish.
• Assist with school groups in parks as needed.
• During peak season, assist other educators with programs and events while developing program-crafting skills at Allegany, Lake Erie, Midway, and Long Point State Parks.
• Design, present, and help promote regional programs, including several programs during the summer programming schedule.
• Assist in planning special park programs and events, including Love My Park Day, Kick Off Summer, and National Public Lands Day.
• Submit timesheets weekly or biweekly through SCA's ADP timekeeping system and submit weekly output reports that include monthly member narratives.
• Complete required mid-term and end-of-term evaluations with the site supervisor.
• Drive SCA and NY OPRHP motor vehicles as required, subject to licensing, experience, checks, and training requirements.

Benefits

• One-bedroom cabin with kitchen, bathroom, and member parking adjacent to the Camp Allegany Nature Center
• $500 weekly living allowance
• Eligible for free health insurance
• Eligible for AmeriCorps childcare assistance
• Eligible for federal student-loan forbearance and interest-payment deferment for qualifying loans
• $7,395 AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion
• Training and professional development, including Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Leave No Trace Level 1, ACA Level 1 Canoe Training, and Certified Interpretive Guide training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED