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 streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.
Purpose of the Program:
The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is 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.
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
Because of the density of development, the New York City region has limited local open space and natural resource areas. There is steadily increasing interest in accessing such resources by the general public and local schools. NYC public schools are under increasing pressure to enhance science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming. In the continuing wake of the pandemic, people have flocked to parks. New patrons to our parks increasingly need accessible educational resources that promote stewardship and safe recreation practices.
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:
1. Assisting environmental educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating in-person programs and workshops.
2. Planning and designing environmental education content that motivates, inspires, and informs across a wide variety of digital platforms using a variety of media.
3. Assisting with the development and transportation of program materials. Keeping materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory.
4. Conducting research and performing field work to support environmental education programs, including participation in community science and stewardship projects.
5. Engaging in outreach to the public. Helping to design and distribute marketing materials.
6. Assisting with general upkeep of facilities, including but not limited to: designing and creating new exhibits and handling live animals.
7. Spending at least one workday each month with the region’s Stewardship Team removing invasive species from Parks and conducting research.
8. Other duties as assigned by management based on the operational needs of regional parks and facilities.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The AmeriCorps members will conduct community science initiatives and educate the public about how to be better stewards of their environment. Members will also encourage passive recreation in the Parks by conducting outreach and providing information to patrons, helping support our programs and enhance visitor experience.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Write, prepare, conduct, and evaluate at least one new program or event for at least one of our regional parks.
Goal 2: Create at least one exhibit, design new program material, or create a set of social media posts for the Marsha P Johnson State Park Instagram & Facebook
Goal 3: Design, plan, and implement one lasting impact project at a State Park of your choice in the NYC Region.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Member MUST enjoy working with children
- Member MUST be able to work independently and self-inspire
- Member MUST be willing to work a varied schedule
- Member MUST be willing to regularly spend up to 4 hours traveling in a day between sites
- Member MUST be willing to work outdoors year-round and in all weather conditions
- Member MUST be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
- Member MUST have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with operating the state vehicles
- At least two years of college experience in a relevant field
Skills:
- Member must be willing and able to speak publicly to audiences of all ages, from infants to adults
Knowledge:
- A creative background in art, design, graphic arts, marketing, etc. is very helpful in this position
- Knowledge of local species and ecology; knowledge of environmental issues
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:
$350/week living allowance
*Housing is 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, Environmental Leadership Institute, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and other opportunities that arise.
Position ID: PO-00736093
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Location:
2351 Veterans Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
US
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
There is access to NYC public transportation although it is helpful to have a personal vehicle for access amenities such as grocery stores, 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 located at the Historic Gericke Farm.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes