Individual Placement - Public Program Steward

Student Conservation Association • Jamesville, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Program Steward supports the Ladders to the Outdoors (LTO) program and the Education team at Central Region, NYS OPRHP, in Fayetteville, New York. LTO connects youth with unique and historic parks. Both programs collaborate with schools, community and youth organizations, and the public to provide outdoor programming and recreation that connects people with state parks, encourages active outdoor recreation, and fosters a lasting interest in the outdoors.

The role develops and leads educational outdoor programs, supports youth and program operations, helps produce promotional materials, greets visitors at the Education Center, and may assist with stewardship and recreation projects. The position is primarily in a front-country setting, though emergency services may be delayed by 1–2 hours. Public transportation may be unavailable and cell service may be limited. Members regularly interact with the public and work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

The service term is January 25, 2027, through November 24, 2027, at 40 hours per week. Shared housing with other SCA members is available next to Green Lakes State Park. Compensation includes a $500 weekly living allowance and eligibility for a full-time AmeriCorps education award of $7,395 upon successful completion. Eligible members may receive health insurance, childcare assistance, and qualifying federal student loan forbearance and interest-payment deferment. The role includes SCA and AmeriCorps orientation and various training and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Be at least 18 years old; driving an SCA motor vehicle requires being at least 21 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Be willing to undergo the National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks.
• Possess a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle operated.
• Have at least three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience to drive an SCA motor vehicle.
• Provide a state DMV driving abstract and pass NYS OPRHP driver training, an SCA motor vehicle record check, and SCA driver training, including online and behind-the-wheel assessment components.
• Be able to work in varied weather conditions and be in good physical condition for outdoor activities.
• Enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, especially youth, and enjoy outdoor activities.
• Demonstrate strong communication and public-speaking skills, dependability, motivation, a strong work ethic, and ability to work as part of a team.
• Have basic computer skills and good general writing skills; contribute to newsletters and lesson plans.
• Submit timesheets weekly or bi-weekly through SCA's ADP timekeeping system and submit required output reports.

Nice To Haves

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have a valid New York State driver's license and a personal vehicle.
• Have outdoor activity experience or interests, such as hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, birding, or plant identification.
• Have basic graphic design skills for social media and marketing flyers.
• Have natural history or environmental knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and lead outdoor education and recreation activities, such as fishing with youth, kayak lessons and paddles, guided hikes, archery, and games.
• Support the growth of the Ladders to the Outdoors program and serve as a role model for youth.
• Support program and event operations by setting up and breaking down spaces, assisting presenters, and maintaining program equipment.
• Assist with and develop promotional materials, including social media content, brochures, videos, and photo galleries.
• Greet visitors at the Education Center and cover shifts there.
• Occasionally assist staff with stewardship and recreation projects, including invasive species management, The Salt City Games, wildlife surveys, pollinator habitat creation, or eastern bluebird nestbox monitoring.
• Drive an SCA motor vehicle as required, subject to licensing, driving-record, and training requirements.
• Submit timesheets and required output and narrative reports.

Benefits

• Shared housing is available, with private bedrooms, shared bathrooms and kitchen, on-site parking, and laundry.
• A $500 weekly living allowance, subject to applicable taxes.
• A full-time AmeriCorps education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of the program.
• Eligible for free health insurance.
• Eligible for AmeriCorps childcare assistance.
• Eligible for federal student loan forbearance and interest-payment deferment for qualifying loans.
• Training and professional development opportunities, including AmeriCorps and SCA orientation, risk management, Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, outdoor educator conferences or events, Leave No Trace Level 1, ACA Level 1 Canoe Training, Certified Interpretive Guide training, and job-readiness development.
• Host-site training in education and interpretation.

What This Job Offers

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