Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator

Position Summary 

Taconic Outdoor Education Center is a 250-acre, reservation-only facility, part of the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park Complex. As an Outdoor Educator for TOEC the SCA member will work with other education staff members to provide educational and recreational programs to schools, civic and public groups. Examples of lesson topics include Project Adventure team-building (including low and high ropes), mammal studies, ecology, and more. SCA members will shadow and train with educators until they are comfortable leading their own lessons. When no visitor groups are present at TOEC, SCA members will also conduct outdoor educational outreach offsite to the public in Clarence Fahnestock State Park. During their service period there will be time to pursue their own projects and work independently to expand their knowledge in the field. At TOEC SCA educators and staff educators are peers. We want you to be able to improve and gain value from your time with us. While you will be expected to lead groups as an educator, we will also provide you time for professional development as well as your SCA duties.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental 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

Taconic Outdoor Education CTR, NYS OPRHP

Location 

Cold Spring, 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.
• 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 

• Plan and teach education, and project adventure lessons to user groups
• Provide public educational outreach to park users in Clarence Fahnestock State Park
• Help with facility upkeep as needed
• Take initiative to learn and grow in the education field
• Be willing to learn new skills and be open to different experiences to provide education to user groups
• Adapt teaching strategies for students with different learning styles and needs
• Communicate clearly and respectfully
• Collaborate with your coworkers in a professional and productive manner
• Approach each group with a desire to provide an enjoyable and educational outdoor experience

Marginal Duties 

• Be open to receiving constructive feedback to genuinely grow and improve your abilities in the education field
• Be willing to work outdoors in all elements (snow, rain, heat, cold, etc.)

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.
• Applicants are required to have a bachelors degree in an environmental related field
• Must have their own personal vehicle

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 

• Experience with high ropes and low ropes courses is preferred.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

• Housing is provided 10 minutes from the Taconic Outdoor Education Center within the Hudson Highlands State Park.

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

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.