Trailside Educator & Animal Care Intern

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Housing provided

Professional Development & Job Readyn.

AmeriCorps Orientation

Job summary

The Trailside Educator and Animal Care Assistant position at Bear Mountain State Park offers an engaging role combining informal education with hands-on animal care. You'll assist with live animal exhibits, school programs, and public demonstrations to help visitors connect with local wildlife and landscapes.

As part of an AmeriCorps program, you will support education staff, lead small teaching moments, and participate in seasonal events, with housing support and a week-based compensation

Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older.
• Must have a driver’s license valid for 3 years.
• Must have own vehicle.
• Must be able to perform strenuous work.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stoop and climb stairs.
• 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 have excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Comfort and enjoyment interacting with people of all ages, especially children.
• Must be comfortable working with animals. Prior experience at a zoo, animal hospital, or similar facility is desired, though not a pre‑requisite.
• Must be detail‑oriented, self-motivated, dependable, and have excellent communication skills.
• Ability to lead hikes of several miles.
• Confident driving a 15‑passenger van and pickup trucks.

Responsibilities

• The live animal exhibits at Trailside provide a valuable tool for engaging the public about local wildlife and nature in State Parks.
• The Educator/Animal Care Assistant (EE/AC) position is designed to address this need.
• The EE/AC will learn important tools and skills for both animal care and outdoor interpretation.
• The EE/AC will work with the Zookeepers, Educators, and other staff to enhance the interpretive experience for patrons of Trailside.
• The EE/AC will directly interact with the public through small impromptu “teaching moments” at the exhibits and more formal live animal presentations.
• The EE/AC will receive hands‑on experience in animal care, husbandry and education and interpretation.
• The EE/AC will also collaborate with the Education staff to conduct seasonal public programs, special events and guided tours.

Job description

The Trailside Educator and Animal Care Assistant position at Bear Mountain State Park offers an engaging role combining informal education with hands-on animal care. You'll assist with live animal exhibits, school programs, and public demonstrations to help visitors connect with local wildlife and landscapes.

As part of an AmeriCorps program, you will support education staff, lead small teaching moments, and participate in seasonal events, with housing support and a week-based compensation