Note: Since housing is not provided nor compensated for in this position, intern must currently live (or have housing option) within a daily commuting distance of the site in East Bethany, NY.
The Watershed Education Assistant internship is made possible through the Great Lakes B-WET grant administered by NOAA and funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative of the EPA. For more information on this grant see https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/bwet/greatlakes/2021.html. Genesee County Park & Forest has received this grant to implement a Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) science unit into 5 area middle schools. The Watershed Education Intern is primarily responsible for assisting with the planning, developing, organizing, preparing, staffing, and leading of the MWEE science unit field trips, educational class sessions, water quality sampling data management, recordkeeping, course attendance and evaluations, student feedback, and communications about student activities and class service projects to media outlets under the direction and supervision of the Conservation Education Program Coordinator. In addition, the person in this position works closely with active park volunteers to coordinate and facilitate their participation and efforts in supporting MWEE programming and other school programming at the county parks.
After the end of the school year in June, the Watershed Education Assistant will develop and lead kayaking programs for the public, summer rec groups and summer camp groups, develop and lead outdoor water quality study and outdoor recreation activities for STEAM Camp, and will assist with all summer programming and park activities under the direction and supervision of the Conservation Education Program Coordinator. Watershed Education Assistants introduce new information and expand the knowledge of audience members of all ages, so that they may be better stewards of their environment and natural resources. They use a wide variety of interpretive methods to establish and deepen the relationship of natural resources awareness to personal appreciation and meaning in peoples' lives. Watershed Education Assistants work on special events, create displays, and write articles and publications that assist the Conservation Education Program Coordinator in this endeavor.
The mission of the Environmental Education Program at the Genesee County Parks is to promote and facilitate programs that showcase the unique natural resources and environmental management practices of the Genesee County Park & Forest and to educate the public about the natural resources of the Genesee County Region in order to reconnect them to the environment so that they may become better stewards of it. The Watershed Education Assistant plays a key role in achieving this mission.
Compensation amounts (pre-tax):
– $175 weekly Living Allowance
– AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,718.25 (based upon successful completion of this position).
It is SCA’s policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position’s start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position’s start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.
The intern serving in this position MUST enroll in the AmeriCorps Education Award program.
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00735053
Expected Dates: April 24, 2023 - July 30, 2023
Location:
11095 Bethany Center Rd
East Bethany, NY 14054
US
Training Provided: Planning and conducting watershed education programs, volunteer recruitment, safety, and visitor services. Public speaking and educator skills, conducting programs for all ages. CPR/First Aid/AED certification provided.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Members will be provided with First Aid/CPR training and certification, volunteer outings and trainings such as natural history, kayaking,hiking. Members assist with camps, programs, and activities lead by environmental professionals in the field.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
The member must have reliable and timely transportation to and from work each day.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
D. No housing is available
This position does not include housing or housing allowance. The opportunity for housing through park staff and volunteer contacts may be a possibility if all parties agree.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes