Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Allegany Region SCA Education Steward 

Position Summary 

The Allegany Region SCA Education Steward will continue to develop and deliver interpretive programs for onsite delivery in the Allegany Region. These will include but are not limited to such potential interests as local wildlife, birds, plants, invasive species, erosion, water quality, and recreational programs such as fishing, disc golf, nature crafts and kayaking. They will also be responsible for developing from start to finish their own event. 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, 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

Allegany State Park, NYS OPRHP

Location 

Salamanca, 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 24, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The Allegany Region SCA Education Steward will continue to develop and deliver interpretive programs for onsite delivery in the Allegany Region. These will include but are not limited to such potential interests as local wildlife, birds, plants, invasive species, erosion, water quality, and recreational programs such as fishing, disc golf, nature crafts and kayaking. They will also be responsible for developing from start to finish their own event.

Marginal Duties 

The SCA Member will assist with school groups in all parks as needed. During the peak season (late May until Mid-October), they will assist other educators with programs and events while learning to craft their own programs in Allegany, Lake Erie, Midway and Long Point State Parks. Members will design, present, and assist in promoting programs in the Region including delivering several programs throughout our 10 -11 week summer programming schedule. Additionally, the Member will be able to assist in planning any special programs or events at the parks. These programs include “Love My Park Day” at Long Point State Park and “Kick Off Summer” at Lake Erie and “National Public Lands Day at Allegany”.

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.

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 

Valid driver’s license required. Due to location own personal vehicle is recommended.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

A one-bedroom cabin, with kitchen, bathroom, and space for Member parking, adjacent to the Camp Allegany Nature Center.

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.

SCA provides the following training opportunities to members: 

• 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
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Leave No Trace Level 1
• ACA Level 1 Canoe Training
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)
• 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

List any additional training/service opportunities offered by the host site:

• Training in education and interpretation provided by host site

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 NY OPRHP, you must:

 Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle that you 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 that 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 

• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• Wilderness First Aid Training
• 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.