Individual Placement - Trailside Zoo Educator

Student Conservation Association; New York (NY); On-site; USD 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Housing provided

AmeriCorps benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Student Conservation Association’s Trailside Education Program seeks an Educator to engage visitors at Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks, guiding tours, leading programs, and coordinating events with a focus on conservation education. The role emphasizes hands-on learning with families and schools.

Based in Tomkins Cove, NY, the position requires outdoor work, a valid driver's license, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license and own vehicle.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to undergo AmeriCorps eligibility checks.

Responsibilities

• Interact with the public and guide tours and programs.
• Co‑plan and coordinate special events and Earth Day activities.
• Assist with multimedia education, volunteer projects, and habitat restoration.

Skills

People skills

Public speaking

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Trailside Education Program seeks to bring visitors into meaningful contact with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, specifically what can be found along the trails of Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. It is our goal to foster in all visitors a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for the natural world. We achieve this goal through informal education for individuals and families; guided tours for schools and other groups; special events open to the public; and topical presentations in spring, summer, and fall.

Bear Mountain State Park receives over a million visitors annually and roughly one in ten of these visitors, or 100,000, explore Trailside’s nature trail, animal exhibits, and museums. As an affordable destination within an hour drive of the New York metro region, Trailside serves a diverse audience, including many patrons from various communities. The facility is designed for self-directed experience. Visitors are guided by directional signage through a sequence of exhibits, displays, and museums. However, this experience is greatly enhanced through direct engagement of the public by trained staff. These personal interactions and the ensuing exchange of information add tremendously to the Trailside experience. Working with and under the supervision of the EE 2, the Trailside Educator is needed to expand our capacity for direct interactions with our diverse audience, to more fully realize our educational goals.

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

Bear Mountain State Park, NYS OPRHP

Location

Tomkins Cove, 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

Through our introduction and training, the Trailside Museums and Zoo Educator will gain experience interacting with and educating our visiting public, becoming familiar with the principles and methods of interpretation and education. You will gain experience using these new skills as an informal educator, guiding tours for schools and community groups, conducting topical presentations, leading weekend public programs and contributing to our special events. You will learn to plan and coordinate special events: Earth Day, Eco-Diversity Celebration and Boo at the Zoo. You will also assist Trailside staff and other SCA members with multimedia education, ongoing volunteer projects, restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and upkeep of the facilities.

Marginal Duties

Attendance at all mandatory SCA events and trainings.

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.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have own vehicle.

Physical qualifications:

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to shovel snow.
• Must be able to stand or be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or hike for extended periods of time.
• If unable to meet the above physical qualifications, please notify in your application. Trailside Museums & Zoo can make reasonable accommodations.
• Comfort and enjoyment interacting with people of all ages, especially children.
• Confident driving a 15‑passenger van and pickup trucks.
• Organized and clear communicator, capable of managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to lead hikes of several miles.

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

• General knowledge of local flora and fauna is desired.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided in a stone cottage shared with up to 2 other SCA members. Each SCA member has a private bedroom. Electric, heat, air conditioning and water utilities included. The cottage is a short walk from Trailside Museums & Zoo. You will be required to be a respectful roommate and responsible occupant of the house, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs.

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.