Individual Placement - Trailside Zoo Educator

Student Conservation Association•BEAR MOUNTAIN, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Trailside Education Program connects visitors with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, particularly the natural and cultural features found along the trails of Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. Its goal is to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for the natural world through informal education, guided tours, public events, and seasonal presentations. The Trailside Educator expands opportunities for direct engagement with the park’s diverse visitors and works under the supervision of the EE 2. The position is hosted by Bear Mountain State Park, NYS OPRHP, in Tomkins Cove, New York. The Trailside Museums and Zoo Educator receives training in interpretation and education and applies those skills in public-facing programs. The service term is January 25, 2027 through November 19, 2027, with a schedule of 40 hours per week. Housing is provided in a shared stone cottage, with a private bedroom for each member. This role is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program. Members must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, including being at least 18, having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working toward one, and agreeing to the required National Service Criminal History Check. Compensation is $500 per week, subject to applicable taxes. A personal vehicle is required for personal travel, and driving an OPRHP vehicle is required for the position.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.
Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, shovel snow, stand for long periods, and walk or hike for extended periods.
Comfortable and enjoys interacting with people of all ages, especially children.
Confident driving a 15-passenger van and pickup trucks.
Organized and clear communicator, able to manage multiple tasks.
Able to lead hikes of several miles.
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 a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks conducted after an offer.

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of local flora and fauna.

Responsibilities

Interact with and educate visitors to Trailside Museums and Zoo.
Guide tours for schools and community groups.
Conduct topical presentations and lead weekend public programs.
Contribute to special events, including Earth Day, Eco-Diversity Celebration, and Boo at the Zoo.
Learn to plan and coordinate special events.
Assist Trailside staff and other SCA members with multimedia education.
Assist with ongoing volunteer projects.
Help restore Trailside grounds to a native plant community and maintain facilities.
Attend mandatory SCA events and trainings.
Submit timesheets through SCA’s ADP timekeeping system on a weekly or biweekly basis.
Submit weekly output reports and monthly member narratives.
Participate in mid-term and end-of-term evaluations.

Benefits

Housing in a shared stone cottage, with a private bedroom; electricity, heat, air conditioning, and water included.
Health insurance.
AmeriCorps and SCA orientation and training.
Risk management training.
Mental Health First Aid Training.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR training.
Project WILD and Project AQUATIC training.
New York State Outdoor Educator Association conferences and events.
Hudson River Ecology training.
Leave No Trace Level 1 training.
Professional development and job readiness.
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.