New York Corps - Educator

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State Parks sees millions of visitors from around the world each year. Parks like Watkins Glen State Park will see well approximately 1 million visitors on its Gorge Trail between May and October. The overlook area Taughannock Falls State Parks is visited by as many as 2 million visitors each year. With growing attendance each year at all our facilities the need for education and interpretation has also grown. By providing education at multiple facilities our visitors’ experiences will be enhanced by understanding how areas like our gorge parks formed, what our natural resource challenges are, stewardship work underway, the history of each site, why rules certain rules are in place and what local hazards exist.

Finger Lakes State Parks, NYS OPRHP

Trumansburg, 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 a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

January 25, 2027 - November 24, 2027

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State Parks sees millions of visitors from around the world each year. Parks like Watkins Glen State Park will see well approximately 1 million visitors on its Gorge Trail between May and October. The overlook area Taughannock Falls State Parks is visited by as many as 2 million visitors each year. With growing attendance each year at all our facilities the need for education and interpretation has also grown. By providing education at multiple facilities our visitors’ experiences will be enhanced by understanding how areas like our gorge parks formed, what our natural resource challenges are, stewardship work underway, the history of each site, why rules certain rules are in place and what local hazards exist.

Members will help create/deliver programs that will enhance the visitor experience and reach visitors that cannot physically hike the gorge trails to experience the park in a different and meaningful way. SCA members will also lead gorge tours at Watkins Glen and tours and programs at Taughannock Falls, Robert H. Treman and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Members will research and deliver programs that highlight the rich history of our parks and historic sites, including, but not limited to, Newtown Battlefield State Park. Members will research and format presentations to have solid content but to be dynamic enough to be used by multiple educators and styles. SCA members will also work with FORCES (Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship) on a variety of projects and initiatives including but not limited to HWA (hemlock wooly adelgid) surveys, mapping projects, trail work, and volunteer coordination. Member might also be asked to help staff large events in the region such as the Cayuga Lake Triathlon, I Love My Park Day, Summer Concert Series and/or Silent Movie Under the Stars.

Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the mid-point of a members’ term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members’ end of service. Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system, ADP Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Orientation. Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report. 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.

We seek a person with passion and enthusiasm for sharing the natural world with others Computer skills a plus Comfortable with public speaking Works well in small groups and individually, as well as with remote work and without direct supervision Comfortable working outdoors and walking 5 miles or more per day. Personal vehicle for non-work-related travel mandatory.

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
• Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
• Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
• Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
• Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.
• Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife. 

40 per week

Shared housing provided in Taughannock Falls State Park 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house, driveway parking Full kitchen with basic pots, pans, utensils, etc. Living room/common area Full access to outdoor space, including nearby hiking trail

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

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

Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.

Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)

Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training

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.

The 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 may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.