Expected Dates: January 14, 2020 to November 10, 2020
Site: MULTIPLE; base: Clay Pit Ponds State Park NYS OPRHP
Position ID: PO-00728897
This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps.  
SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.

Purpose of the Program: The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is 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. 

Community Needs that the Program Serves: Because of the density of development, the New York City region has limited access to open space and natural resource areas. There is an increasing interest in accessing such resources by the general public and local schools. NYC public schools are under increasing pressure to enhance science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming. 

Values and Standards of the Program: SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.  

AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:

1.    Assist the Environmental Educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating programs and workshops throughout the NYC region.
2.    Assist with the development of program materials. Keep materials organized and catalogued to maintain inventory. Manage transport of program materials to and from regional sites. 
3.    Conduct research and perform field work to support environmental education programs and park stewardship, including invasive species removal in all NYC Region parks.
4.    May be asked to assist Clay Pit Ponds Environmental Educator with management of farm plot and care and upkeep of resident chickens at the historic Gericke Farm to support programming.
5.    May be asked to assist with maple syrup production and education. 
6.    May be asked to engage in outreach to superintendents, principals, teachers, and the public; help to design and distribute marketing materials; aid in volunteer recruitment and coordination; and represent NY State Parks at large events. 
7.    May be asked to assist with general Nature Interpretive Center upkeep including, but not limited to: designing and creating new exhibits, handling and caring for live animals, garden maintenance, and composting. 
8.    Other duties as assigned by management based operational needs of regional parks and facilities. 

How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization: The AmeriCorps members will conduct stewardship initiatives and educate the public about how to be better stewards of their environment. Members will also encourage passive recreation in the Parks by conducting outreach and providing information at the Nature Interpretive Center. 

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
    Goal 1: Come up with 3 personal, measurable goals to be met by the end of the term. 

    Goal 2: Plan and implement one long-term project at one State Park in the NYC region that will leave a lasting impact. 

    Goal 3: Plan at least one replicable program to be run in at least one NYC Region State Park.

Candidate Qualifications:
Ability to pass a background check.
Valid driver license of 3 years with a clean driving record. 
-    Member MUST enjoy working with children
-    Member MUST be able to work independently and create own projects
-    Member MUST possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with operating the state vehicles. 
-    Member MUST be willing to work a varied schedule. 
-    Member MUST be willing to regularly spend up to 4 hours traveling in a given day between sites multiple times a week and be comfortable beginning their work day as early as 6:00 am (with adjustments for early dismissal). 
-    Member MUST be able to lift 50 lbs
-    Member MUST be willing to work outdoors year-round and in all weather conditions. 
-    Member MUST be willing to handle and care for live animals. 
-    Member MUST be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. 

Skills/Knowledge/Training Necessary to be a successful AmeriCorps Member in this position:
Skills:
-    Member must be willing and able to speak publicly to audiences of all ages, from infants to adults.
-    Member must possess strong organizational skills. 

    
Knowledge:
-    Basic ecology background is a plus but not required. 

Benefits:
All Hudson Valley Corps members receive a taxable $200/week living allowance
Upon successful completion of the term, members receive a taxable Full-time Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps.
Student loan forbearance and interest repayments for federal student loan through AmeriCorps.
Eligible for free health insurance
Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

Training Opportunities:
All Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe, and other opportunities that arise.

Handicap Accessible?
No

Main Area of Focus
Education and Interpretation

Driving Logistics: Valid Drivers License Needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?: Yes; Housing located at the Historic Gericke Farm.
US Citizenship: Required