Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Student Conservation Association•Town of New Scotland, NY

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Outdoor Educator serves at John Boyd Thacher State Park, an approximately 2,000-acre park on the Helderberg Escarpment with woodland, meadow, wetland, and lake habitats. The role connects visitors with the park’s natural and cultural resources through educational programs, guided school field trips, public interpretation, tabling, and other public-facing activities. The position is part of an SCA AmeriCorps program, with members serving alongside conservation professionals in a 10-month placement. The educator develops and delivers programs about the park’s biological features and, as needed, its geology and history. The role also assists with seasonal stewardship projects and events, and supports the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center’s education mission by helping visitors, maintaining exhibits, and caring for live animals. Work is primarily in a front-country setting, where emergency services may be delayed by one to two hours. Public transportation is limited or unavailable, and cell reception may be limited or unavailable. Housing is provided in a shared house on park property. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, January 25, 2027 through November 19, 2027.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; preferably in Geology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Education, or a related field.
Personal vehicle required for personal travel.
Ability to interact professionally with unhappy patrons.
Ability to work independently or with a partner.
Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national; at least 18 years old; and have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
Must be willing to undergo the National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks after an offer.
To drive an NY OPRHP vehicle: possess a current, valid driver’s license for the vehicle type, provide a State Driver’s Abstract, and pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training.
Complete required timesheets and member reporting, and participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluations.

Nice To Haves

Desire to work with children.
Baseline knowledge of biological and earth sciences through coursework or experience.
Background in education.
Enthusiasm, positive energy, and a desire to learn.

Responsibilities

Create and deliver educational programs focused on the park’s biological features.
Create and deliver educational programs about the park’s geologic and historical qualities, as needed.
Assist with park stewardship projects, including Project FeederWatch in winter, Project NestWatch in spring and summer, and wild parsnip removal in summer.
Assist with planning and completing events throughout the year, including I Love My Parks Day and Hawk Watch.
Support the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center by answering phone calls, maintaining and updating exhibits, caring for live animals, and completing other tasks as necessary.
Submit timesheets and required output and narrative reports.
Drive an OPRHP vehicle when required, following driver eligibility and training requirements.

Benefits

Shared housing with other SCA members on Thacher State Park property.
Health insurance.
AmeriCorps and SCA orientation and training, including risk management, reporting requirements, and benefits.
Mental Health First Aid Training.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Project WILD and Project AQUATIC training.
New York State Outdoor Educator Association conferences and events.
Hudson River Ecology training.
Leave No Trace Level 1.
Professional development and job readiness support.
Service events, including Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, and A Day in the Life of the Hudson River.