New York’s Allegany Region is seeking enthusiastic Environmental Educators for the 2023 season. Apply to be a SCA New York State Parks Corps member today!

About the NYS Parks Corps: Service activities range from providing environmental education and interpretation, to trail restoration, wildlife management, and organizing volunteer events. All 21 Parks Corps members will gather regularly in Central NY for SCA trainings and other professional development opportunities as they arise. (**See Covid caveat above for potential exceptions to 2023 events) Members share housing in groups of 1-4 members per location. NYS Parks Corps members serve under the direction of regional Parks staff to assist in accomplishing the mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources.This position is located in New York’s Allegany Region, with housing provided in Allegany State Park (Salamanca, NY)

Purpose of the Position: To deliver environmental education programs in the Allegany Region.

Community Needs that the Position Serves: Over the last two years, we have seen an increase in requests throughout the year for programming for school groups through the Connect Kids Grant both at Allegany and in the Chautauqua parks. The SCA Intern will assist with school groups in all parks as needed. During the peak season (late May until Mid-October), they will assist other environmental educators with programs and events while learning to craft their own programs in Allegany, Lake Erie, and Long Point State Parks.
 
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities: The Environmental Education Intern 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 such as: local wildlife, birds, plants, invasive species, erosion, water quality, and recreational programs such as fishing, disc golf, nature crafts and kayaking. 2017 was the first year for the SCA program at the Allegany Region parks. Since then, the Environmental Educator Intern has created and established programming. The groundwork has been set. Patrons are aware of the program and the job of the intern would be to build on the work of previous SCA members. Interns will design, present, and assist in promoting programs in the Region. Additionally, interns 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”. The SCA Environmental Educator will be housed in Allegany State Park, office workspace will be provided at Allegany and programs will be delivered regionally as needed. The experience will truly offer a wide range of resources and experiences throughout the region. Those resources will include the opportunity to work with and be supported by the Allegany Region Interpretive staff along with various other trainings and opportunities as they occur

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Deliver Programs and assist with Connect-Kids school groups throughout the region.
Goal 2: Develop, assist, and create environmental educational programs for all ages, and inform patrons about the local flora and fauna and natural history of the Allegany Region State Parks.
Goal 3: Assist with advertising and promoting programs and special events within the region.

Benefits:
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,495
Amount of living allowance member will receive: $300/week living allowance
Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
Childcare coverage (if applicable): 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.

Training Opportunities: All SCA NYS Parks Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and professional development. Environmental Education Stewards receive Certified Interpretive Guide training while Conservation Stewards receive Game of Logging 1 & 2. Optional trainings include NYSOEA, the American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe Training, and other opportunities that arise through the SCA and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.