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 the Hudson Valley region. Such changes include, but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, requesting symptomatic members to stay home from events, and asking members to test prior to Corps gatherings.
SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring stream banks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.
Values and Standards of the Program:
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.
Purpose of the Program:
Scenic Hudson helps citizens and communities preserve land and farms and create parks where people experience the outdoors and enjoy the Hudson River. We also bring together people, businesses and government to protect the river and natural resources that are the engines of the valley’s local economies. Started in 1963 by a handful of citizens who cherished the simple pleasures of the outdoors along the Hudson, Scenic Hudson is credited with launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today, in the face of new challenges and the effects of climate change, we are dedicated to making the Hudson Valley a great place to live, work and play. Our focus is on strengthening and maximizing benefits all can enjoy from the region’s great assets—beautiful open spaces, working farms, and vibrant cities and town centers.
www.scenichudson.org
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
The SCA Community Engagement Assistant will:
- Work with partners in Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Kingston to coordinate implementation of field trips and programs. This may include in person field trips to Scenic Hudson regional parks, urban parks and community events (40%)
- Coordinate, promote, and conduct community events including the spring Fall Kill and Quassaick AquaBlitz (an iNaturalist supported bioblitz), and Let’s Bike Hudson Valley programming.
- Provide additional support for Scenic Hudson’s American eel (Anguilla rostrata) monitoring program, and events happening at Pershing Avenue Farm in Poughkeepsie or the Sanctuary Healing Garden at Crystal Lake in Newburgh. (15%)
- Participate in all required SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%)
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
As part of the Scenic Hudson’s River Cities Team the Community Engagement Assistant will work to help advance the organization’s outreach, environmental programming, education and stewardship goals in Poughkeepsie, Kingston and Newburgh. This position will work to promote civic engagement through tactical activation of public space, educational programming and other community engagement activities. The Community Engagement Assistant will support the Senior Project Manager for the River Cities Program in all outreach efforts across Poughkeepsie, Kingston and Newburgh. The Assistant will work directly with partners in each city to implement community events, including those that optimize the public’s use of Scenic Hudson parks and preserves. The Community Engagement Assistant will serve as an ambassador for Scenic Hudson by interacting with local organizations and the public in the course of work in the parks, plus through special events, hikes, volunteer days and other programmatic activities. Much of this work will be done as part of a small team, with some work being done with
volunteers and some independently. Position requires travel with a personal vehicle throughout the Hudson Valley for outreach work. Evening and weekend work will be required on an average of twice per month.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 2: Coordinate, promote, and conduct public programming and events in the River Cities, and assist Scenic Hudson staff in the implementation of community outreach and planning, and volunteer programming, all in the service of our urban greening and open space activation work.
Candidate Requirements:
· Valid Driver’s License for 3+ years
· Ability to pass a federal background check and a motor vehicle background check
List any specific qualifications for AmeriCorps member:
- Desire to engage with youth and community members in environmental education and civic engagement projects
- College degree in urban studies, urban planning, education, environmental science or related field. Equivalent knowledge and experience acquired through professional experience accepted.
- Previous experience working in outdoor education, community organizing, environmental education and/or with
children/students/families preferred.
Skills/Knowledge/Training Necessary to be a successful AmeriCorps Member in this position:
- Flexible with an ever changing work schedule. Occasionally including weekend, evening and early hours
- Comfortable working in an outdoor setting
- Enjoy working with students grades K-12
- Comfortable interacting with the public in structured and unstructured
settings - Must be well-organized, possess strong interpersonal communication
skills, be detail oriented, and supportive of Scenic Hudson’s mission - Knowledge and commitment to environmental and social justice
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite—Word, Excel, Publisher
- Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Curriculum development and educational planning experience— a plus
- Experience with Adobe suite—InDesign, Photoshop— a plus
- Ability to speak Spanish — a plus
Benefits:
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,895
Amount of living allowance member will receive:
$350/week living allowance
$1,000/month housing allowance upstate (if housing is not provided)
$1,100/month housing allowance in NYC (if housing is not provided)
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 Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe, and other opportunities that arise.
Position ID: PO-00736211
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Location:
85 Civic Center Plaza
Suite 300
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
US
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery store, libraries, etc. as well as travel to Hudson Valley Corps trainings and events.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Apartment located within walking distance to the office shared with 3 other SCA members, each having their own room
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes