New York Corps- Environmental Educator & Stewardship Assistant

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 Park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society and was named a National Natural Landmark by the NPS in 2023. The Environmental Educator and Stewardship Assistant will connect individuals to the park’s valuable resources through guided school field trips, interpretive 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.

To preserve the park’s noteworthy natural resources, the Environmental Educator and Stewardship Assistant will also assist with stewardship initiatives, including Feederwatch, NestWatch, invasive species monitoring/removal, trail work/maintenance, and other tasks as necessary. Members may also be required to assist with volunteer coordination and supervision, event coordination, and additional tasks as needed. Thacher State Park is a prime location for the study of biological and geological 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 several responsibilities during their term, including:

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

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

3. Assistance with ongoing stewardship projects throughout the park, including Project FeederWatch in the winter, Project NestWatch in the summer, invasive species removal year-round, and trail work/maintenance as necessary. 4. Assistance in the planning and completion of several events throughout the year, such as Hawk Watch in September.

5. 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 one new educational or interpretive program on the natural 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.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact professionally with unhappy patrons
• Ability to work independently or with a partner
• Ability to work in a flexible and fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Baseline knowledge of the biological and earth sciences, either from coursework or experience.
• Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts preferred.
• Computer and technology skills. Knowledge of Excel, Outlook, and Webex preferred.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Free housing provided

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.