Community Science Educator
Expected Dates
May 8, 2023 to October 9, 2023
Site
Shirley Chisholm State Park
Position ID
PO-00734597
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:
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 access to open space and natural resource areas. There is an 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 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:
- Assist environmental educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating programs and workshops i.e. leading interpretive hikes on gravel trails and facilitate fishing clinics.
- Design environmental education content that motivates, inspires, and informs people about this urban green space, specifically focusing on long-term community science projects and stewardship.
- Develop content for a variety of media across various digital platforms.
- Assist with the creation of program materials. Keep materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory.
- Conduct research and perform field work to support environmental education programs, community science, and stewardship i.e. wildlife surveys and invasive species removal.
- Maintain, and in some cases develop, data bases that track ecological data and community science efforts at the park.
- Engage in outreach to the public. Help to design and distribute marketing materials.
- Assist with general upkeep of facilities. i.e. office space, EE classrooms.
- Spend at least one workday each month with the region’s Stewardship Team removing invasive species from Parks and conducting research.
- Travel to other State Parks throughout NYC to assist with special events.
- 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, helping support our programs and enhance visitor experience.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Write, prepare, conduct, and evaluate one new program or event at SCSP. (In-person)
Goal 2: Plan and create one environmental education exhibit or program material for distribution. (handout)
Goal 3: Design, plan, and implement one lasting community science initiative OR stewardship project at Shirley Chisholm State Park.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Member MUST be able to lift 30 lbs.
- Member MUST be willing to work outdoors year-round and in all weather conditions.
- Member MUST be able to work independently and in a team.
- Member MUST be willing to work a varied schedule (days and times).
- Member MUST be willing to regularly spend up to 4 hours traveling in a day between sites
- Member MUST be willing to handle and care for live animals.
- Member MUST have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with operating state vehicles.
- Member MUST be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve.
- At least two years of college experience in a relevant field
Skills:
- Member should be adaptable to creating virtual or outdoor programming.
- Member must be willing and able to speak publicly to audiences of all ages, from early childhood to adults.
Knowledge:
- Member should possess basic knowledge of Microsoft programs, social media, and creating digital content using other platforms
- Knowledge of basic ecology, of local flora and fauna species, and environmental issues.
Training: No training necessary.
Benefits:
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service:
Amount of living allowance member will receive:
$300/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, 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.