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. 
 

The Education and Outreach Assistant position will be located at the Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns in Poughkeepsie, NY. 

Purpose of the Position:
The mission of The Environmental Cooperative is to expand and coordinate conservation efforts and to strengthen place-based environmental awareness throughout the Hudson Valley by inspiring engagement, supporting current efforts, and developing new opportunities for conservation education, outreach, and research.

The Environmental Cooperative is an outreach and education initiative through Vassar College focusing on conservation efforts locally.  The Cooperative works towards engaging the local and campus community in structured conservation program including volunteer opportunities, environmental education field trips, guided walks, conservation based workshops and other outreach and education events.  
 
Community Needs that the Position Serves:
The Environmental Cooperative works closely with the City of Poughkeepsie, surrounding communities and Vassar College to address needs in regard to conservation and environmental education and public engagement.  We connect Vassar students with conservation-based volunteer and educational opportunities in the wider community and on campus.
 
SCA AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education and Outreach Assistant will report to and work closely with the Director of the Environmental Cooperative.  They will be responsible for the development and implementation of “Exploring Science” an elementary level field trip based school program.  Exploring Science trains Vassar students to teach K-3rd graders environmental science curriculum both in the classroom and on field trips to the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve. The Education and Outreach Assistant will:

Assist with the development of a classroom/schoolyard based curriculum
Assist with the development of age-appropriate field trips
Teach elementary students participating in the Exploring Science Program
Train Vassar students to teach the Exploring Science curriculum

Additionally, the SCA Americorps member would assist with general outreach and education initiatives of the Environmental Cooperative and the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve such as guided hikes and hands-on workshops.
 
All SCA Hudson Valley Corps members are required to attend SCA monthly events and completed SCA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reporting. This will account for roughly 15% of your time.
 
Performance Goals:
Goal 1: Work with the Environmental Cooperative Director to develop an environmental science curriculum (“Exploring Science”) that includes classroom visits and field trips for local elementary school children.
Goal 2: Teach Exploring Science in the Spring and Fall semesters to at least one class at two different Poughkeepsie Schools. Successfully help to train Vassar student to teach the Exploring Science program.
Goal 3: Design and implement environmental summer workshops and programs for the community

 
Candidate Qualifications:

Valid driver’s license of at least 3 years with a clean driving record.
Ability to pass a federal background check.
SKILLS: Excellent written and oral communication skills, must have plant and animal identification skills, must be able to work independently, organized, creative, must enjoy working with children.
KNOWLEDGE: Course work or experience in environmental interpretation or education.  Experience or strong interest in educating children and young adults necessary.  Knowledge of classroom behavior management techniques, public school state standards, and lesson plan development desirable.  GIS training a plus.
TRAINING: BA/BS in Ecology, Botany, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science or related field; knowledge of Microsoft and Google suite of applications

Benefits:

All Hudson Valley Corps members receive a taxable $200/week living allowance
This position will receive a taxable $600/month housing 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.