New York’s Central Region is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Educator 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 Central Region, with a focus on Green Lakes State Park. In lieu of provided housing, the member will receive a monthly housing stipend provided by the program. It is the member's responsibility to secure housing.

Purpose of the Position: Join the environmental education team at Green Lakes State Park near Syracuse, NY. Work out of the Environmental Education Center providing public programs, school field trips, summer programs, and working on educational projects. A focus for the coming year will be building up our Ladders to the Outdoors program. This program is designed to help get people, especially youth, from urban centers into our parks for recreational and educational programming.

Community Needs that the Position Serves: This position focuses heavily on environmental education for children; especially urban youth.

AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assist with and lead Environmental Education Programs
• Staff the Environmental Education Center
• Contribute to lesson plans, newsletters, projects, and exhibits
• Market upcoming programs: social media, flyers, online calendars
• Support the growth of the Ladders to the Outdoors program: work with and be a role model for urban youth

How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
This AmeriCorps role directly supports our Agency’s mission by offering the safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities, as well as taking an active stewardship role towards our natural, historic, and cultural resources.
 
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Support the environmental education at Green Lakes State Park, and other local parks.
Goal 2: Support the growth of the Ladders to the Outdoors program by creating educational and recreational opportunities and working with urban youth.

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