New York Corps- Environmental Education Assistant Steward

Position Summary

NYSDEC’s Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center has an internal mission statement: to inform and inspire citizens to take responsibility for the environment. The AmeriCorps Member will enable us to engage citizens of all ages in caring for the environments of Reinstein Woods, while also sharing knowledge, especially with underserved youth, about the environment upon which all life depends.

Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Reinstein Woods is uniquely positioned to serve more than a million citizens in the Buffalo-Niagara Region, including youth in underserved neighborhoods of the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls and their suburbs. More than 50% of children in schools and youth organizations that Reinstein Woods serves annually are from underserved or environmental justice communities. According to the NYS Education Department, the Buffalo City School District (Reinstein Woods’ biggest client) student population is 80% minority students, and 79% of all students are economically disadvantaged. The Niagara Falls City School District student population is 57% minority, and 72% of their students are economically disadvantaged. Even within the four school districts serving the first-ring suburb of Buffalo where Reinstein Woods is located, more than 50% of all students qualify as economically disadvantaged. According to the Children and Nature Network, research shows that “spending time in nature enhances educational outcomes by improving children’s academic performance, focus, behavior and love of learning.”1 With the support of SCA/AmeriCorps, Reinstein Woods will be able to connect even more children to nature and the environment. 1 https://www.childrenandnature.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/CNN_AcademicOutcomes_16-10-27_O_newlogo.pdf Duties: 1. Assist with diversity programs aimed at connecting underserved youth with nature: Assist with a variety of programs, including presenting Discover Your Neighborhood sessions in public schools and after-school care programs, assisting with Pathways to Environmental Learning Youth Educators Program, and assisting with field trips for the Western Region Campership Diversity Program. (15%) 2.Stewardship: Lead citizens, youth groups and others in educational tours and stewardship activities at Reinstein Woods. Specifically, the position will coordinate the “Trail Thursdays” volunteers, who perform trail maintenance and invasive species removal weekly during the warm months of the year, and the “Phragmites Strike Team,” who monitor and remove an invasive plant as part of a multi-year effort at Reinstein Woods. (30%) 3.Outreach and Volunteer recruitment: Represent Reinstein Woods at off-site fairs, festivals, science nights, and youth field days. Make presentations to organizations as requested to recruit more volunteers for Reinstein Woods’ education and stewardship programs. (20%) 4.Present on-site environmental education programs for pre-K to high school students, youth organizations, and the general public. (15%) 5.Participate in all SCA Corps-wide training and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%) 6.Assist with animal care, education center greeter duties, and major events such as the Fall Festival and Outdoors Day. (5%)

FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yzddfzvpr0r13c02wsyjn/2025-SCA-Position-Description-Reinstein-NEW.pdf?rlkey=qzfe0o5zx11xpp4dwf6xkh45d&st=zfhg2tvz&dl=0

Marginal Duties

The Member will be helping to connect youth from underserved communities with their local environment while improving their knowledge and awareness of environmental issues. Assisting with the Campership Diversity program will introduce a new generation to the joy of outdoor recreation such as camping, fishing and hiking. Through stewardship programs, the Member will be engaging people young and old in improving the environment while heightening their awareness and understanding of environmental issues such as invasive species. Through outreach activities, the Member will be attracting a larger audience to Reinstein Woods’ education and stewardship programs, and recruiting new volunteers who can contribute to stewardship and education efforts. All of these programs support DEC’s mission and Reinstein Woods’ mission.

Goal 1: Member presents high-quality Discover Your Neighborhood or STEM in the Schoolyard sessions in public schools and after-school care programs. Students are engaged, and pre- and post- lesson surveys show an increase in awareness and appreciation for the natural world.

Goal 2: “Trail Thursdays” volunteers are engaged weekly from May to September. Phragmites Strike Team volunteers are trained in proper plant removal techniques and monitoring procedures. Phragmites sites are monitored at least once a month from May to September.

Goal 3: Member prepares materials for tabling and interactive activities for at least one outreach activity per month when possible. Interactions with the public are positive and result in increased attendance at public programs and at least 5 new volunteer forms being submitted.

Required Qualifications

Is the member a High School graduate, GED recipient or working towards attaining a high school Diploma or GED? Does member agree to obtain either a high school diploma or a GED before using their education award? Does member adhere to all member eligibility requirements in §2522.200(a)? Valid driver’s license? Skills: Some experience dealing with youth. Some experience in public speaking contexts. Ability to perform a variety of outdoor functions, from manual labor to leading trail hikes, lessons and field studies. Basic computer skills including Excel data entry. Ability to develop a positive rapport with youth and adults. Ability to work with minimal oversight and in a team setting. A passion for sharing knowledge about the environment and for building capacity to work together towards a better tomorrow. Knowledge: Education: some coursework or experience Community Engagement: some coursework or experience Public Speaking: some coursework or experience Working With Children: some coursework or experience Biology: some coursework, experience, or interest Plant Identification: some coursework , experience, or interest. Training: Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, or science preferred, relevant experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

A two-bedroom house located within Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve shared with possible additional DEC Reinstein Woods seasonal interns. The accommodations provided have cost-free utilities sans internet.

Compensation

Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week

Additional Benefits:

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395

Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week

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

Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more.

Professional, personal, or service-related member development activities and training to be provided for member:

AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation

SCA Risk Management

Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

SCA Driver’s Safety Training

Mental Health First Aid Training

Wilderness First Aid & CPR

Environmental Education Curriculum or Saw Training

New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Professional Development & Job Readiness

SCA Conservation Work Skills Training (Conservation Positions)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

Wilderness First Aid Training

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.