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.
New York’s Thousand Islands Region is seeking enthusiastic Environmental Educators for the 2023 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 2023 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 Thousand Island Region, with housing provided in Wellesley Island State Park.
Purpose of the Position: Wellesley Island State Park is the largest park in the Thousand Islands Region. Serving at Minna Anthony Common Nature Center (MACNC) will be a valuable experience involving exceptional biodiversity, diverse park patrons, seasonal school and public programming, and stewardship projects. Members will serve as essential education staff – leading programming, stewarding the nature center, grounds, and exhibits, and connecting with the larger community. They will be a vital team member that contributes to making MACNC a flagship nature center and a treasured resource for the community.
Community Needs that the Position Serves: As front line staff, members will be greeting and interacting with park patrons daily. Members will be visible park ambassadors – whether at the nature center, out on the trails, or walking through the parking lot – committed to being friendly and welcoming to all.
Connecting park patrons to the natural world is the core principle of our programming. Members will be leading public programs, teaching school groups, and facilitating activities at special events. They will be trained to design family-based programming, inclusive and adapted to engage all audiences.
Members will serve as stewards of the nature center, and surrounding gardens and trails. They will provide animal care for our aquarium and terrarium interpretive exhibits. Additionally, members will connect with the larger community through social media, off-site programs and events, and collaborative projects with local environmental organizations.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
- SCA Focus Area (40%)
- Each member will work independently to fulfill specific responsibilities within a focus area. This will require self-leadership and at many times self-directed learning. Our three focus areas are: Animal Care and Aquarium Husbandry; Gardening and Land Stewardship; Social Media and Communications. Focus areas:
- Animal Husbandry- This member will be the primary person responsible for feeding and caring for our live animals and maintaining the vivariums they inhabit. The person who takes this focus area will need to enjoy taking care of animals and be comfortable interacting with turtles, fish, frogs, and a chipmunk. This member could build on a preexisting knowledge of animal husbandry.
- Gardening and Land Stewardship- This member will gain skills caring for our gardens and grounds. We have 7 native plant gardens and a Pollinator House. During the growing season daily tasks will include turning compost, weeding, watering gardens, deadheading flowers, and filling birdbaths
- Social Media and Design- This member will gain skills working with design software and social media platforms, and will be the primary person responsible for managing and posting daily content to the MAC Nature Center Facebook and Instagram pages, photographing all programs, making event flyers, flyer distribution, and program publicity.
- Each member will work independently to fulfill specific responsibilities within a focus area. This will require self-leadership and at many times self-directed learning. Our three focus areas are: Animal Care and Aquarium Husbandry; Gardening and Land Stewardship; Social Media and Communications. Focus areas:
- Design and lead programs (30%)
- Each member will gain skills facilitating public programs, school programs, outdoor recreation programs, virtual programs, community outreach events, and tours of the MAC Nature Center/ Wellesley Island State Park pollinator house.
- Nature Center Stewardship (20%)
- Members will gain valuable skills assisting with the upkeep of the MAC Nature Center and surrounding trails. As a team, we all participate in visitor services and daily maintenance/operations of the building and grounds. Visitor services may include staffing the front desk, answering phones, offering trail suggestion, providing interpretive tours, resetting exhibits, daily cleaning/ tidying tasks, hiking trails to report conditions, cutting back hanging limbs, and watering/weeding gardens.
- Administrative assistance (10%)
- Members will gain experience in the administrative upkeep of the MAC Nature Center by assisting the Director, Education Coordinator, and Outreach Coordinator on various Nature Center tasks and projects as needed.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Become proficient in focus area tasks.
Goal 2: Lead and develop environmental education programming.
Goal 3: Build successful relationships with teammates and community members.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Valid driver license and personal vehicle.
- 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:
- Strong interest in the natural world and outdoor education.
- Willing to develop public speaking skills.
- Emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Friendly, courteous, and inclusive of people of various backgrounds.
- Self-awareness and ability to resolve conflict maturely.
- Professional demeanor and positive attitude.
- Responsibility and good judgment.
- Initiative and ability to work independently.
- Creativity and attention to detail.
- Organized and timely to meet goals and deadlines.
- Reliability and willing to be an accountable team player.
- Collaborative and willing to articulate ideas and provide constructive feedback.
- Flexibility to adapt to weather-driven schedule changes.
- Comfortable interacting with the public.
- Comfortable working with children.
- Comfortable working around animals (live animal exhibits, leashed dogs, wildlife).
- Comfortable paddling small watercraft (kayak and canoe).
- Willing to clean and help with daily maintenance duties indoors and out.
- Some knowledge of ecology, environmental or natural sciences.
- Some experience with public speaking or teaching.
- Some experience with animal or aquarium husbandry.
- Some experience with gardening or botany.
- Some experience with social media, communications, or marketing.
Benefits
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $4,546.50
Amount of living allowance member will receive: $300/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. 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.
SCA1957
Position ID: PO-00735261
Expected Dates: April 3, 2023 - November 20, 2023
Location:
Wellesley Island State Park
44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, NY 13640
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
Three SCA members will share a two-bedroom cabin overlooking Eel Bay within Wellesley Island State Park.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes
