Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Student-Conservation-Association; Town of Knox (NY); On-site; USD 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps orientation

Job summary

Student-Conservation-Association seeks an Outdoor Educator for Thacher State Park. The role connects visitors with park resources via school field trips, interpretive programs, and community events. You will support center activities, answer inquiries, and help maintain exhibits while engaging with live animals.

The position runs Jan 25, 2027 to Nov 19, 2027, offers housing in a shared park residence, and requires a personal vehicle for travel and driving an OPRHP vehicle as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Geology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Education, or related field.
• Ability to interact professionally with unhappy patrons.
• Personal vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Creation and completion of educational programs focused on park’s biological features.
• Creation and completion of educational programs focused on geologic and historical qualities.
• Assistance with ongoing stewardship projects (FeederWatch, NestWatch, wild parsnip removal).
• Assist in planning and completion of events (I Love My Parks Day, Hawk Watch).
• Support Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center by answering calls, updating exhibits, caring for live animals, and other tasks.

Skills

Personal vehicle

Professional interaction with unhappyP

Graphic design

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Geology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Education, or related)

Job description

Nestled atop the Helderberg Escarpment, John Boyd Thacher State Park protects over 2,000 acres of high-quality woodland, meadow, wetland, and lake habitat. The New York Natural Heritage Program has identified two Significant Natural Communities within its boundaries, and the entire park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The Outdoor Educator will connect individuals to these valuable resources through guided school field trips, interpretive public programs, tabling events, and other educational engagements. The Outdoor Educator will have a number of responsibilities during their term, including:

• a. The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s unique biological features;
• b. The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s geologic and historical qualities, as necessary;
• c. Assistance with ongoing stewardship projects throughout the park, including Project FeederWatch in the winter, Project NestWatch in the spring/summer, and wild parsnip removal in the summer;
• d. Assistance in the planning and completion of several events throughout the year, such as I Love My Parks Day in May, and Hawk Watch in September;
• e. Contributing to the ongoing educational mission of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center by answering phone calls, maintaining and updating exhibits, caring for our live animals, and completing other tasks as necessary.

Hosting Organization

Thacher State Park, NYS OPRHP

Location

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible.Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s unique biological features;
• The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s geologic and historical qualities, as necessary;
• Assistance with ongoing stewardship projects throughout the park, including Project FeederWatch in the winter, Project NestWatch in the spring/summer, and wild parsnip removal in the summer;
• Assistance in the planning and completion of several events throughout the year, such as I Love My Parks Day in May, and Hawk Watch in September;

Marginal Duties

• Contributing to the ongoing educational mission of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center by answering phone calls, maintaining and updating exhibits, caring for our live animals, and completing other tasks as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the mid-point of a members’ term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members’ end of service.
• Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system, ADP
• Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Introduction.
• Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.
• Members must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Geology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Education, or related field.
• Personal vehicle required
• Ability to interact professionally with unhappy patrons
• Ability to work independently or with a partner
• Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts

Preferred Qualifications

• A desire to work with children.
• Baseline knowledge of the biological and earth sciences, either from coursework or experience.
• A background in education is desired, but the most important qualities to possess are enthusiasm, positive energy, and a desire to learn.

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided in a shared house with other SCA members on Thacher State Park property.

Compensation

• $500/Week

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is required for personal travel.

Driving

Driving an OPRHP Vehicle is required for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the NY OPRHP, you must:

Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.

Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)

Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training

Additional Benefits

• oMember AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
• oSexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• oMental Health First Aid Training
• oWilderness First Aid & CPR
• oProject WILD & Project AQUATIC
• oHudson River Ecology
• oLeave No Trace Level 1
• oProfessional Development & Job Readiness
• oService events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
• o Health Insurance

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.