This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps. If you are selected for this program, please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process. No travel allowance will be offered for this position even if it is stated on your confirmation of acceptance. Due to Covid-19, events and trainings are subject to change in response to an increase in the number of cases in upstate New York. Such changes include but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, elimination of large-scale gatherings, and a reduction of education programs.
New York’s Central Region is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Educator for the 2024 season. Apply to be a SCA New York State Parks Corps member today!
About the NYS Parks Corps: Service activities range from providing environmental education and interpretation, to trail restoration, wildlife management, and organizing volunteer events. All 21 Parks Corps members will gather regularly in Central NY for SCA trainings and other professional development opportunities as they arise. (**See Covid caveat above for potential exceptions to 2024 events) Members share housing in groups of 1-4 members per location. NYS Parks Corps members serve under the direction of regional Parks staff to assist in accomplishing the mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources.
This position is located in New York’s Central Region, with a focus on the Central Region. The partner will provide accommodations in Green Lakes State Park which will be shared with other SCA New York State Parks Corps members.
Purpose of the Position: Join the environmental education team at Green Lakes State Park near Syracuse, NY. Work out of the Environmental Education Center providing public programs, school field trips, summer programs, and working on educational projects. A focus for this year is supporting our Ladders to the Outdoors program. This program is designed to help get people, especially youth, from urban centers into our parks for recreational and educational programming.
Community Needs that the Position Serves: This position focuses heavily on environmental education for children; especially urban youth. A main message for all our programs is stewardship of our natural, historic, and cultural resources.
Values and Standards of the Program/Position:
SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
The Mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreation and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with and lead Environmental Education Programs
- Staff the Environmental Education Center
- Contribute to lesson plans, newsletters, projects, and exhibits. This year will include creating new educational materials for the NYS Park at the Fair with a focus on native bees and plants.
- Market upcoming programs: social media, flyers, online calendars
- Support the growth of the Ladders to the Outdoors program: work with and be a role model for urban youth
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources.
This AmeriCorps role directly supports our Agency’s mission by offering the safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities, as well as taking an active stewardship role towards our natural, historic, and cultural resources.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Support the environmental education at Green Lakes State Park, and other local parks.
Goal 2: Support the growth of the Ladders to the Outdoors program by creating educational and recreational opportunities and working with urban youth.
Goal 3: Create programs and educational materials related to a natural history, or stewardship message of your choosing.
Candidate Qualifications:
- NYS Driver’s license.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Two years of college or other post-secondary school experience in a relevant field.
Skills, Knowledge, and Training:
- Must enjoy working with people from all backgrounds; especially youth
- Strong communication and public speaking skills
- Writing: good general writing skills. Will contribute to newsletters and lesson plans.
- Basic social media skills: Facebook and Instagram posts
- Basic graphic design for social media posts and flyers
- Outdoor skills: hiking, camping, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, kayaking etc.
- Basic Computer skills
- Some environmental education or interpretation background, principles, basic environmental sciences, and history a plus.
Benefits
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6895
Amount of living allowance member will receive: $350/week living allowance
Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
Training Opportunities: All SCA NYS Parks Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and professional development. Environmental Education Stewards receive Certified Interpretive Guide training while Conservation Stewards receive Game of Logging 1 & 2. Optional trainings include NYSOEA, the American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe Training, and other opportunities that arise through the SCA and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Position ID: PO-00736010
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Location:
Green Lakes State Park
7900 Green Lakes Rd
Fayetteville, NY 13066
US
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery store, libraries, etc. as well as travel to NYS Parks Corps trainings and events.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
This position is located in New York’s Central Region. The partner will provide accommodations in Green Lakes State Park which will be shared with other SCA New York State Parks Corps members.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes