New York Corps- Community Science Educator

Position Summary

This former landfill turned park, supports a native grassland ecosystem beside the biodiverse expanse of Jamacia Bay. By utilizing Shirley Chisholm State Park as a classroom, the person in this position will help strengthen connections between the surrounding community and the nature in their neighborhood through environmental, recreational, and stewardship programs.

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. There is steadily increasing interest in accessing New York City’s green spaces and 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.

Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist environmental educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating programs and workshops including, leading interpretive hikes on gravel trails, facilitate fishing clinics, and school field trips.

2. 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.

a. Develop content for a variety of media across various digital platforms.

3. Assist with the creation of program materials. Keep materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory.

4. Conduct research and perform field work to support environmental education programs, community science, and stewardship i.e. wildlife surveys and invasive species removal.

5. Maintain, and in some cases develop, data bases that track ecological data and community science efforts at the park.

6. Engage in outreach to the public. Help to design and distribute marketing materials.

7. Assist with general upkeep of facilities. i.e. office space, EE classrooms.

8. Spend at least one workday each month with the region’s Stewardship Team removing invasive species from Parks and conducting research.

9. Travel to other State Parks throughout NYC to assist with special events.

10. Other duties as assigned by management based on the operational needs of regional parks and facilities.

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.

Marginal Duties

Required 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Free housing is provided in Staten Island

Compensation

$400/week Living Allowance

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

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

Health Insurance

LNT Level 1 Certification

Mental Health First Aid

$100 Professional Development Stipend

Environmental Leadership Institute

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.