Position Summary

Nestled atop the Helderberg Escarpment, John Boyd Thacher State Park protects over 2,000 acres of high-quality woodland, meadow, wetland, and lake habitat. The New York Natural Heritage Program has identified two Significant Natural Communities within its boundaries, and the entire park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The Environmental Educator will connect individuals to these valuable resources through guided school field trips, interpretive public programs, tabling events, and other educational engagements. Additionally, the Environmental Educator will supplement the general educational mission of the park by providing and assisting with occasional geologic and historical interpretation programs. Members may also be required to assist with stewardship initiatives, volunteer coordination, event coordination and additional tasks as needed.


Thacher State Park is a great location for the study of biological sciences. As such, it attracts thousands of students from kindergarten through college each year for hands-on education. Additionally, Thacher State Park’s proximity to the cities of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy provides convenient wilderness and open space access to individuals living in urban areas.


Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025


Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Environmental Educator will have a number of responsibilities during their term, including:

a. The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s unique biological features;

b. The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s geologic and historical qualities, as necessary;

c. Assistance with ongoing stewardship projects throughout the park, including Project FeederWatch in the winter, Project NestWatch in the spring/summer, and wild parsnip removal in the summer;

d. Assistance in the planning and completion of several events throughout the year, such as I Love My Parks Day in May, and Hawk Watch in September;

e. Contributing to the ongoing educational mission of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center by answering phone calls, maintaining and updating exhibits, caring for our live animals, and completing other tasks as necessary. SCA AmeriCorps members are encouraged to pursue development of programs and projects in their area of interest. Thacher State Park is a dynamic work environment, and SCA AmeriCorps members may be asked to assume reasonable duties and responsibilities in addition to those listed above.


Goal 1: Prepare and present at least two new educational or interpretive programs on the biological resources of Thacher State Park.


Goal 2: Directly educate, or assist with educating, at least 500 individuals across all programs and events.


Goal 3: Maintain or improve at least one mile of trail, or at least five acres of land in the park


Marginal Duties


Required Qualifications

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to interact professionally with unhappy patrons
  • Ability to work independently or with a partner
  • Baseline knowledge of the biological and earth sciences, either from coursework or experience.
  • A desire to work with children
  • Ability to work in a flexible and fast-paced environment.
  • Interest in teaching and learning about the natural world.


Preferred Qualifications

  • A background in education is valuable, but the most important qualities to possess are enthusiasm, positive energy, and a desire to learn.
  • Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts
  • Computer and technology skills


Hours

40 per week


Living Accommodations

Free housing provided on site


Compensation

$400/week


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.