Individual Placement - Trailside Zoo Educator

Student Conservation Association•Town of Woodbury, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Trailside Education Program connects visitors with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, particularly 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 direct engagement with the diverse visitors to Bear Mountain State Park and supports the program's educational goals under the supervision of the EE 2. The role is hosted by Bear Mountain State Park, NYS OPRHP, in Tomkins Cove, New York, and is part of a 10-month SCA New York conservation and education placement. The educator receives training in interpretation and education, then engages visitors through tours, presentations, weekend programs, and special events. The position also supports multimedia education, volunteer projects, native-plant restoration, and facility upkeep. The work is primarily in a front-country setting, though emergency services may be delayed by one to two hours. Public transportation is limited or unavailable, and cellular reception may be spotty or unavailable. Housing is provided in a shared stone cottage, with a private bedroom for each member and utilities included. The schedule is 40 hours per week, January 25, 2027 through November 19, 2027. Compensation is $500 per week, subject to applicable taxes.

Requirements

Must have a valid driver's license and own a vehicle.
Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and shovel snow.
Must be able to stand or be on one's feet for extended periods.
Must be able to walk or hike for extended periods and lead hikes of several miles.
Must be comfortable and enjoy interacting with people of all ages, especially children.
Must be confident driving a 15-passenger van and pickup trucks.
Must be organized and communicate clearly, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
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.
To drive an NY OPRHP motor vehicle, must possess a current and valid license for the vehicle type, provide a state DMV driver abstract, and pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training.

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of local flora and fauna is desired.

Responsibilities

Engage with and educate visitors using principles and methods of interpretation and education.
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 SCA members with multimedia education and ongoing volunteer projects.
Assist with restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and upkeep of facilities.
Attend all mandatory SCA events and trainings.
Submit timesheets weekly or biweekly through SCA's ADP timekeeping system.
Submit weekly output reports and monthly member narratives.
Complete a mid-term and end-of-term evaluation with the site supervisor.
Drive OPRHP vehicles as required, after meeting the stated driving requirements.
Maintain the provided shared housing responsibly, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs.

Benefits

Shared cottage housing with a private bedroom and electric, heat, air conditioning, and water utilities included.
AmeriCorps and SCA orientation, including training on prohibited activities, risk management, reporting requirements, and benefits.
SCA risk management training.
Sexual harassment and drug abuse in the workplace 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 training.
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.
Health insurance.