Hudson Valley Conservation Corps- Environmental Educator

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 stream banks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.

Start Date: 2/12/2024

End Date: 12/19/2024

Purpose of the Program:

Introduce young people interested in environmental and outdoor education to a wide variety of activities, professionals in the field, and the different aspects of running an outdoor education center.

Community Needs that the Program Serves:

Environmental education interns help connect school and user groups, Fresh Air Families, and other groups to nature. Programs introduce groups to environmental stewardship, basic farming, and sustainability practices. The Environmental education intern also helps facilitate team and community building programs. Environmental education interns will also be an integral part in helping develop community building programs for our 6 summer camps.

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:

• Help in the logistical set up and break down for all groups before and after arrival.
  • This includes supplies and facilities
• Assist in on-site group facilitation:
  • Teaching
  • Greeting
  • Meal facilitation
  • Evening programming
  • Light maintenance
• Learning and facilitating lessons
• Facilitating group dynamics and teams course sessions.
• Maintaining program supplies
• Trail maintenance and invasive species remediation
• Farm care and education

How the AmeriCorps Member's Role Aligns with the Organization:

The Fresh Air Fund's mission is to provide new and exciting outdoor experiences to youth living in New York City. As an intern with The Sharpe Reservation the member will be able to facilitate programs and trips with our Fresh Air Children and beyond. The intern will work to help us connect people from New York City and the larger tri-state area with the outdoors and show participants that nature exists not only here but everywhere.

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:

Goal 1: Feel confident leading environmental and outdoor education lessons with a wide range of groups from schools to families, to adult learners.

Goal 2: Understand the scope of administrative and logistical process and steps that go into coordinating and running an environmental center.

Goal 3: Gain a better understanding of risk management, and how to analyze and prioritize risk.

Candidate Requirements:
. Valid Driver's License for 3+ years
. Ability to pass a federal background check and a motor vehicle background check

Candidate Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a federal background check.
• A passion for environmental and outdoor education
• A willingness to learn.
• A commitment to anti-racism.
• Some prior experience in environmental/outdoor education or summer camping preferred.
• Self-started and highly motivated individual with a demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision to complete tasks.

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 (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, 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.