Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Student Conservation Association•Cold Spring, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Outdoor Educator serves with the Taconic Outdoor Education Center (TOEC), a 250-acre, reservation-only facility within the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park Complex. Working alongside education staff, the SCA member provides educational and recreational programs for schools, civic groups, and the public. Lesson topics may include Project Adventure team-building, including low and high ropes, mammal studies, and ecology. Members shadow and train with educators before leading lessons independently. When visitor groups are not present at TOEC, members conduct educational outreach in Clarence Fahnestock State Park. The service term also allows time for independent projects, professional development, and learning in the education field. Members are expected to lead groups while also completing SCA duties and participating in professional development. This is a 10-month SCA AmeriCorps position based in Cold Spring, New York. Work is primarily in a front-country setting, where emergency services may take 1–2 hours to arrive. Members regularly interact with the public. Public transportation is limited or unavailable at the work site, and cell phone reception may be limited or unavailable. Housing is provided about 10 minutes from TOEC within Hudson Highlands State Park. A personal vehicle is required for personal travel, and driving an OPRHP vehicle is required for the position. The position is scheduled for January 25, 2027 through November 19, 2027, at 40 hours per week. Compensation is $500 per week, subject to applicable taxes. Members receive AmeriCorps and SCA orientations and training, including risk management, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid, Project WILD and Project AQUATIC, and other professional-development opportunities. AmeriCorps health insurance is eligible/required.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in an environmentally related field.
A personal vehicle is required.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
Must be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer is made.
To drive an OPRHP vehicle, must possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle operated, provide a state DMV driver’s abstract, and pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training.
Must be willing to work outdoors in snow, rain, heat, cold, and other elements.
Must be open to constructive feedback and willing to learn new skills and adapt to different experiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-ropes and low-ropes courses.

Responsibilities

Plan and teach educational and Project Adventure lessons to user groups.
Provide educational outreach to park visitors in Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Assist with facility upkeep as needed.
Take initiative to learn and grow in the education field.
Adapt teaching strategies for students with different learning styles and needs.
Communicate clearly and respectfully.
Collaborate with coworkers in a professional and productive manner.
Provide groups with enjoyable and educational outdoor experiences.
Submit timesheets weekly or biweekly through SCA’s ADP timekeeping system.
Submit weekly output reports and monthly narrative information through members’ output reports.
Complete a mid-term and end-of-term evaluation with the site supervisor.
Drive an OPRHP vehicle as required, meeting the stated driver requirements.