Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided on Thacher State Park

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps Benefits

Job summary

Student Conservation Association seeks an Outdoor Educator at Thacher State Park in Voorheesville, NY. You will develop and deliver educational programs on the park’s biology, geology, and history, and assist with stewardship projects and events throughout the year.

A bachelor’s degree in a related field, a personal vehicle, and strong public engagement are required. Housing is provided on site, and the position runs 40 hours per week with a $500 weekly stipend, plus AmeriCorps benefits.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Personal vehicle

Patron interaction

Independent work

Graphic design

Education

Bachelor's degree (Geology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Education)

Job description

Position Summary

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.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historic landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

The SCA New York partners with state agencies and non profit organizations across the state of New York. SCA New York members serve in 10-month positions alongside conservation professionals, engaging in conservation stewardship projects and education services for the general public.

Hosting Organization

Thacher State Park, NYS OPRHP

Location

Voorheesville, NY

• 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

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Being at least 18 years or older
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

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.

Hours

40 per week

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

• Member 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
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Hudson River Ecology
• Leave No Trace Level 1
• Professional Development & Job Readiness
• Service 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
• Health Insurance
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

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