Environmental Educator
Expected Dates
January 17, 2023 to November 14, 2023
Site
Taconic Outdoor Education CTR, NYS OPRHP
Position ID
PO-00734526
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.
Organization/Agency Mission and/or Goals:
The mission of the NYS OPRHP 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.
Purpose of the Program:
The Taconic Outdoor Education Center (TOEC) provides residential and day environmental education experiences and team building programs for public and private schools, college, universities and civic groups. TOEC also offers public programs to the surrounding communities.
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
TOEC serves the public, local school groups, scout troops and other groups as needed. Of the school groups, TOEC serves a large NYC base. Most of these students are from underserved and overwhelmingly minority areas; the schools in the NYC have 62-78% of their students receiving free lunch. The areas are predominantly Hispanic and Latino (44-67%) and African American (18-20%), but overall, minority populations make up 77-94% of the school populations TOEC serves. Latino youth under 18 years old make up 23% of US population yet only 5.8% of them participate in outdoor recreation activities. There has been a decline in outdoor activity for youth across the board as well. Research shows that playing in nature improves mental and physical health and increasing emotional well-being. Outside play also helps reduce stress in children and children have more active imaginations, stronger immune systems, and have more respect for themselves and others. Hosting an AmeriCorps member will allow TOEC to meet its programming goals and reach as many children as possible.
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:
As an Outdoor Educator the SCA member will work with other education staff members to provide educational and recreational programs to schools, civic and public groups. The member will be responsible for working independently with his/her own group of students in providing environmental education and team building programs. He/she will also provide high and low ropes programs on our courses. In addition, the member will be assisting with daily operations of the facility and delivery of program goals.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
There are a number of responsibilities undertaken by the SCA member that will benefit the community and specifically the students that are engaged in lessons/activities/experiences at the TOEC. The direct contact that the SCA member will have with public and private NY City school students will have a long lasting impact. The hands-on activities that the SCA member provides will emphasize the importance of being good stewards of the natural environment.
NY City public and private school students benefit directly from the services provided by the SCA member. Hundreds of 4th-6th grade students will have the opportunity to experience overnight environmental education trips that teach the importance of a healthy environment and how that contributes to clean drinking water and fresh air. Students often have first time experiences out of NY City during these trips.
Performance Goal for the AmeriCorps Member:
Contact with students has a long-lasting impact in teaching younger generations to be good stewards.
Skills/Knowledge/Training Necessary to be a successful AmeriCorps Member in this position:
Skills:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable working with the public in various settings; Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lead groups on hiking trails through forested areas with varying degrees of terrain.
Knowledge:
Previous formal or informal teaching experience is desirable.
Training:
Low and high ropes course operation experience a plus.
Required Academic and Experience Qualifications:
BS in Life/Earth Science, Outdoor Education, Environmental Studies, Nature Interpretation or related field.
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:
$300/week living allowance
$1,000/month housing allowance upstate (if housing is not provided)
$1,100/month housing allowance in NYC (if housing is not 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 WET, Project WILD and Project Learning Tree curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, American Canoe Association Level 1, and other opportunities that arise.