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:
To help with outreach and education efforts geared toward local schools and the general public about Audubon conservation priorities and projects that are happening at Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center & Sanctuary. The member will also participate in conservation projects on site and within the community as needed.
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
The member will assist in the education and conservation projects at the Center & Sanctuary. The AmeriCorps member will assist with teaching school and public based environmental conservation classes that serve rural populations from the region. Focusing on topics such as forest ecology and bird conservation, the AmeriCorps member will help provide roughly 3,000 environmental education contact hours. Additionally, the AmeriCorps member will be assisting in gaining knowledge about visitor use of the site and reaching those visitors and hikers with Audubon’s messaging.
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 Education/Outreach Coordinator will assist in developing and executing conservation-based school and community education programs. Reporting to interim Center Director at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary, the member will help align program activities with state conservation programs and goals and will help deliver and document conservation and outreach impact at scale.
Essential Duties:
- Work with the Interim Center Director to develop comprehensive education programs focused on Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center & Sanctuary’s conservation and stewardship programs; targeting volunteers, the general public, and K-12 school-aged students.
- Ensure all school programs meet or exceed statewide standards, local school district curriculum requirements, and Audubon guidelines/standards.
- Cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with all partnering organizations, agencies, groups, and individuals participating in the programs.
- Develop and deliver effective verbal and written presentations/promotion that contributes to outreach for all target groups.
- Track progress in meeting all project-specific education and outreach goals.
- Work with the Land Steward to learn and participate in our conservation projects.
- Other duties as needed.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The National Audubon Society believes that one of the most effective ways to ensure the long term success of the conservation movement is to continuously develop leadership through the training of young people who have expressed an aptitude and desire to preserve the natural heritage of the land in which we all live. The National Audubon Society and the SCA have worked together in this shared endeavor for over 11 years at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Sanctuary alone, and we welcome an opportunity to expand this collaboration to our other Audubon Sanctuaries in the Hudson Valley.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
- Plan and implement conservation-based education programs for audiences including school/community groups, youth, families and adults. (65%)
- Cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with partnering organizations, agencies, and groups and/or individuals participating in the programs. (20%)
- Participate in other conservation efforts at the sanctuary, as needed. (15%)
Desired Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Community outreach, Environmental Studies or a similar field required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of educational program design and assessment, knowledge of conservation issues, and ability to articulate them and inspire participation.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with key stakeholders, such as community, school, and agency personnel.
- Ability to think strategically and creatively, while managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines
- Strong organizational and relationship building skills, excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills, and ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
- Self‐motivated and willing to work in a flexible, non‐structured environment.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Excellent interpersonal/communication skills with adults & children a must;
- Teaching experience a plus.
- Personal transportation is important.
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-00734723
Expected Dates: June 13, 2023 - November 14, 2023
Location:
Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Hillsdale, NY 12529
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
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes