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:
Audubon’s New York City Youth Education programs focus on increasing people's knowledge and awareness about birds, other wildlife, and the natural world; guides them to change their behaviors and attitudes to be more active participants in our conservation work saving birds and protecting habitat; and teaches new problem-solving skills needed to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
Serving 2,000+ New York City youth and community members with a focus on public schools and unique community sites across all five boroughs, our education program works to increase access to environmental education in NYC for BIPOC and under resourced communities and instill a culture of lifelong environmental stewardship and community engagement. Audubon aims to get youth excited about birds and the places they need to survive and encourage a sense of ecological place in one’s own community. We hope to empower community members to take an active interest in protecting their local environment for birds and people.
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:
- Independently teach Audubon’s For the Birds! (FTB!) and LARK curriculum at NYC public schools and other unique program sites; coordinate and lead school field trips & garden projects in NYC Parks.
- Create bird conservation focused education materials for classrooms that include clear learning objectives for students, sufficient background information for teachers, impactful assessment opportunities, and engaging activities capable of nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship.
- Maintain comprehensive records of program metrics and communications for quarterly program reports.
- Represent Audubon at local and regional events tabling and outreach events
- Participate in various Audubon New York meetings, trainings, and programs throughout the year.
- Other duties assigned by Program Manager.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
Throughout their service, interns will work closely with Audubon staff to inspire a new generation of conservationists through the study of birds. Interns will gain experiences in both formal and non-formal environmental education and learn valuable and transferable skills such as project management, curriculum development, volunteer management, and community engagement.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Independently teach For the Birds! and LARK curriculum at elementary, middle, and high schools and other program sites; assist with field trips, habitat projects and other outdoor activities.
Goal 2: Create at least two new bird conservation focused lessons that include clear learning objectives for students, sufficient background information for teachers, impactful assessment opportunities, and engaging activities capable of nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship; field test new lessons.
Goal 3: Confidently I.D. local birds of NYC; independently lead basic bird I.D. walks in NYC Parks.
List any specific qualifications for AmeriCorps member:
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental education, environmental science, formal education, Environmental Interpretation, Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, or related field.
- Minimum of 1-years of experience working in the field of formal and/or informal education; experience teaching in a formal classroom setting is preferred. Proven experience working with and/or managing volunteers and/or interns also required.
- Hands-on experience working in an educational setting with students of different ages and/or educators, and experience facilitating training in groups.
- Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental science, as well as knowledge of bird biology, ecology, and identification.
- Must be able to teach independently in NYC schools and other unique program sites.
- Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated organizational and time-management skills are a must.
- Self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team including the ability to work with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, to think critically, to identify problems and take appropriate action, and to maintain organization in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to make decisions requiring good judgment and complete knowledge of subject matter, including task sequencing and office administration procedures.
- Availability to work occasional weekend and evening hours as required. Some programs and outreach events will require working outside of core (9-5pm) work hours.
- Must be able to walk major pathways and trails of regional natural areas with students, including on uneven terrain.
- Commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society; Knowledge of and commitment to conservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.
- Must be comfortable using all forms of NYC public transportation; ability to travel within and outside NYC.
Skills/Knowledge/Training Necessary to be a successful AmeriCorps Member in this position:
Skills: Must be able to teach independently in NYC schools and other unique program sites.
Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental science, as well as knowledge of bird biology, ecology, and identification.
Training: Minimum of 1-years of experience working in the field of formal and/or informal education; experience teaching in a formal classroom setting is preferred. SCA Member will be provided with training in classroom management, lesson planning, bird I.D. and basic bird biology.
Benefits
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,895
Amount of living allowance member will receive:
$350/week living allowance
$1,000/month housing allowance upstate
$1,100/month housing allowance in NYC
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-00736115
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Location:
National Audubon Society HQ
New York, NY 10014
US
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
It will be the member's responsibility to secure their own housing. Housing allowance provided.
US Citizenship: Yes