Individual Placement - Outdoor Education Member

Position Summary 

Outdoor Education Member at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar NY The Outdoor Education Member will provide education to Capital District communities, through outdoor programs, classroom visits, as well as other public presentations. As the population of New York State continues to grow, Five Rivers prioritizes public outreach and education for the Capital District. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is uniquely positioned between three defined metropolitan areas: Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. The support of SCA/AmeriCorps enables Five Rivers to pay significant attention to providing education programs and services to these audiences. Members also do informal interpretation on site at Five Rivers with a wide variety of audiences of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

 

Hosting Organization

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center NYS DEC

 

 

Location 

Delmar, NY

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.

 

Schedule 

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Develop, plan, and implement outreach programs, including DEC’s Nature’s Schoolyard and Nature Bus initiatives, for schools in defined urban areas of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. Develop and present outreach programs for community programs serving youth from New York‘s Capital District (30%) 2. Develop and present on-site environmental education programs, including programs for students from pre-K to high school, as well as interpretive programs and walks for the public, based from the visitor center at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. (20%) 3. Participate in stewardship activities through Community Science research, invasive species removal and native gardening projects, trail checks and other duties as assigned (15%) 4. Present special programs, exhibits and/or services at local events, as well as for special needs audiences such as senior or nursing home facilities. (10%) 5. Participate in training and professional development including staff meetings and planning sessions, in-house training sessions on teaching methods, natural history and environmental science, and interpretation techniques. (10%) 6. Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%) As part of duties above, SCA members have the opportunity to be the lead intern coordinator for one of three project areas: Community Science, Community Outreach, or Habitat Restoration. These specific assignments will be determined when the full intern team is assembled. At Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, the interpretive programs and guided school lessons promote awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of New York State's environment year-round. With over 10 miles of trails for exploration, Five Rivers fosters discovery, connection to nature, and physical fitness through wholesome outdoor recreation.

 

Marginal Duties 

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member: Goal 1: Members will be certified in at least two (2) Guided School Program (GSP) outdoor lessons, do research and present three (3) presentations to staff, volunteers or public, as well as lead at least one month of Nature’s Schoolyard in-class lessons. Goal 2: Will assist in invasive species removal. Goal 3: Will grow and expand professional and educational skills as well as conservation and natural ecology knowledge through mentoring and various trainings. Goal 4: Will participate in and/or assist with at least one (1) Community Science initiative.

 

Required Qualifications 

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Being at least 18 years or older
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record of 3+ years is required. A state vehicle is provided for all job-related duties, but personal transportation is necessary for any/all non-job-related tasks.
• Some experience dealing with youth -Some experience in public speaking contexts -Member must have physical capacity to lead outdoor lessons with children and adults (standing and kneeling, walking up to 2 miles in variety of weather conditions)
• Familiarity with/interest in natural resources.
• Must consistently model respectful behavior towards the natural world including insects, mammals, birds, trees, plants, etc.
• Ability to perform a variety of outdoor functions, from manual labor to leading trail hikes, lessons, and field studies.
• Ability to develop a positive rapport with a broad range of people, as well as with staff.
• Ability to accept adjusted work schedule.
• Ability to work with minimal oversight.
• A passion for sharing knowledge about the environment and for building capacity to work together towards a better tomorrow.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

BA/BS degree in education, environmental studies, conservation/wildlife sciences or related disciplines preferred.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Up to 5 interns share a furnished residence on site. Each intern has their own bedroom and shares use of kitchen and 2 bathrooms. On-site laundry. Bedrooms are furnished with bed, dresser, desk, and chair.

 

Compensation  

• Compensation: (weekly living allowance): $500/week
• Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award • AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours
• Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395
• Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance
• Childcare coverage: 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.

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

 

Driving

Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.

 

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
• Have a minimum of three years of state permitted and licensed driving experience.
• Be a minimum of 21 years old.
• Complete and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
• Able to complete and pass SCA’s driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.

 

Additional Benefits 

Health Insurance

 

SCA provides the following training opportunities to members:

o  Member AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more

o  SCA Risk Management

o  Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

o  Mental Health First Aid Training

o  Wilderness First Aid & CPR

o  Environmental Education Curriculum

o  Environmental Leadership Institute

o  New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events

o  Hudson River Ecology

o  Leave No Trace Level 1

o  Professional Development & Job Readiness

o  Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.