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, elimination of large-scale gatherings, and a reduction of education programs.
Conditions of Employment Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.
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 streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.
Purpose of the Program:
The Educator-Naturalist will assist in developing and executing conservation based school and community education programs. In addition, this position will assist with daily center operations, education exhibit design, the care of the center and property, and participating in our conservation projects.
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
The Educator-Naturalist will assist in developing and executing conservation based school and community education programs. In addition, this position will assist with daily center operations, education exhibit design, the care of the center and property, and participating in our conservation projects.
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.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
The SCA intern will assist in developing and executing conservation-based education through Center visitation, public canoe trips and school groups. They will be evaluated on several points that will help increase the number of programs and visitation through, but not limited to; arranging/conducting public canoe trips, conducting conservation-action based programs, developing and implementing at least 1 new education program during their service and assist in reaching the public through social media. They will also be required to develop a sound understanding and working knowledge of; Wetland management, Wetland ecology, Invasive species control, Native Bird and wildlife communities and Non-profit operations.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
Audubon New York’s Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, a unique and beautiful 270-acre tidal marsh managed as a wildlife sanctuary, and is open to the public. The Audubon staff at Constitution Marsh provide stewardship to the marsh and surrounding area through education programs, wildlife monitoring and invasive species control.
Constitution Marsh plays an integrated role in conservation action, and also provides visitors with unique access to the Hudson River Highlands. Where birds and other wildlife thrive, people thrive, and we are working to enact conservation embedded not only in local policy, field research and nature education, but also in how we perceive and interact with the natural world.
Our mission at Constitution Marsh Sanctuary is twofold: to provide stewardship to this fragile wetland and to teach others about it. We believe there is no substitute for a trip to the shoreline, where one can explore and discover the river first hand. Our goal is to give all visitors, whatever their age, the opportunity to closely observe river life and thus gain new insights into the natural world.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: AmeriCorps member will assist with outreach and education that serve suburban and urban populations from the region. This will be done by conducting programs, and providing assistance with community outreach. These include, but are not limited to; arranging/conducting ~10 public canoe trips and school programming, interacting with public visitors, and assist in reaching the public through social media (40%)
Goal 2: Member will participate in conservation efforts at the sanctuary, including songbird monitoring and invasive species control (15%)
Goal 3: Additionally, the AmeriCorps member will be assisting in the daily operations of the Nature Center. (45%).
Desired Skills:
- Knowledge: Undergraduate, or equivalent experience focused in Environmental Education, Biology, or related field.
- Excellent interpersonal/communication skills with adults & children a must.
- Canoeing experience a plus.
- Ability to work well as part of the team, as well as independently.
- Attention to detail, excellent time-management and organizational skills
- Be flexible and motivated
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions
- Personal transportation is important.
- Training: Undergraduate with major in wildlife biology, environmental education or related field. Love of the natural world.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a federal background check.
Benefits:
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,495
Amount of living allowance member will receive:
$300/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-00734721
Expected Dates: February 14, 2023 - December 12, 2023
Location:
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Garrison, NY 10525
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
Housing is provided on-site shared with another Audubon intern, each having their own room
US Citizenship: Yes