Individual Placement - Educator and Animal Care Assistant

Position Summary 

This position spans both our education and animal care programs. The Trailside Education Program seeks to bring visitors into meaningful contact with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, specifically what can be found along the trails of Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. It is our goal to foster in all visitors a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for the natural world. We achieve this goal through informal education for individuals and families; guided tours for schools and other groups; special events open to the public; and topical presentations in spring, summer, and fall. The Trailside Animal Care Program, which is integral to education and the visitor experience, provides husbandry for our local injured and non-releasable wildlife housed along Trailside’s nature trail, as well as live fish, reptiles, and amphibians (most non-releasable) in one of the museums. The animal care assistants feed, maintain, and care for the live animal collection. Given that many of the animals have permanent injuries, this care includes careful observation and monitoring of animal health. It is a shared goal of the Animal Care and Education Programs for the live animals at Trailside to serve as ambassadors for their species in our effort to educate our visitors about the natural world and our role as responsible stewards.

 

Bear Mountain State Park receives over a million visitors annually and, conservatively, one in ten of these visitors, or 100,000, explore Trailside’s nature trail, animal exhibits, and museums. As an affordable destination within an hour’s drive of the New York metro region, Trailside serves a diverse audience, including many patrons from various communities. The facility is designed for self-directed experience. Visitors are guided by directional signage through a sequence of exhibits, displays, and museums. However, this experience is greatly enhanced through direct engagement of the public by trained staff. These personal interactions and the ensuing exchange of information add tremendously to the Trailside experience. This type of interactive education resonates especially well when paired with staff conducting active animal care or demonstrations. Working with the animal care and education staff, the EE/AC is needed to expand our capacity for direct interactions with our diverse audience, to more fully realize our educational goals.

 

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historic landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

 

The SCA New York partners with state agencies and non profit organizations across the state of New York. SCA New York members serve in 10-month positions alongside conservation professionals, engaging in conservation stewardship projects and education services for the general public.

 

Hosting Organization

Bear Mountain State Park, NYS OPRHP

 

 

Location 

Tomkins Cove, 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.

 

 

Schedule 

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The live animal exhibits at Trailside provide a valuable tool for engaging the public about local wildlife and nature in State Parks. The importance of the animals to Trailside patrons was made clear in visitor surveys conducted in 2012, during which they cited the animals as the most memorable part of their visit. Many also expressed a longing to know more about animals. The Educator/Animal Care Assistant (EE/AC) position is designed to address this need. The EE/AC will learn important tools and skills for both animal care and outdoor interpretation. The EE/AC will work with the Zookeepers, Educators, and other staff to enhance the interpretive experience for patrons of Trailside. The EE/AC will directly interact with the public through small impromptu “teaching moments” at the exhibits and more formal live animal presentations. The EE/AC will receive hands-on experience in animal care, husbandry and education and interpretation. The EE/AC will also collaborate with the Education staff to conduct seasonal public programs, special events and guided tours. Additionally, the EE/AC may assist Trailside staff and other interns with ongoing volunteer projects, including restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and general upkeep of the facilities.

 

Marginal Duties 

Attendance at all mandatory SCA events and trainings.

 

Required Qualifications 

• 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.

 

Additional Requirements:

• Must be 18 or older.
• Must have a driver’s license valid for 3 years.
• Must have own vehicle.

Physical qualifications:

• Must be able to perform strenuous work.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stoop and climb stairs.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to shovel snow.
• Must be able to stand or be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Must have excellent hand-eye coordination.
• If unable to meet the above physical qualifications, please notify in your application. Trailside Museums & Zoo can make reasonable accommodations.

• Comfort and enjoyment interacting with people of all ages, especially children.
• Must be comfortable working with animals. Prior experience at a zoo, animal hospital, or similar facility is desired, though not a pre-requisite.
• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, dependable, and have excellent communication skills.
• Ability to lead hikes of several miles.
• Confident driving a 15-passenger van and pickup trucks.

 

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.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

o General knowledge of local flora and fauna is desired

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Housing is provided in a stone cottage shared with up to 2 other interns. Each intern has a private bedroom. Electric, heat, air conditioning and water utilities included. The cottage is a short walk from Trailside Museums & Zoo. You will be required to be a respectful roommate and responsible occupant of the house, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs.

 

Compensation  

• $500/Week

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

 A personal vehicle is required for personal travel.

 

Driving

Driving an OPRHP Vehicle is required 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

 

Additional Benefits 

• Member AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Hudson River Ecology
• Leave No Trace Level 1
• Professional Development & Job Readiness
• 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
• Health Insurance
• 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.