Position Summary
If you love a job where each day brings something new, this job is for you! Join us in traveling to different state parks around New York City leading programs like our regular toddler story times, guided bird walks, free fishing clinics, and more! We work with folks of all ages and diverse backgrounds, leading a balance of monthly public programs and school field trips. Our goal is to highlight the unique urban ecosystem of our NYC state parks. This position will travel to: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (Brooklyn), Gantry Plaza State Park (Queens), Roberto Clemente State Park (Bronx) and Riverbank State Park (Manhattan).
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historic 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
Clay Pit Ponds State Park NYS OPRHP
Location
Staten Island, NY
- This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
- 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.
- 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.
Schedule
January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist educators in planning, setting up, teaching, and evaluating in-person programs and workshops.
- Design education content that motivates, inspires, and informs across a wide variety of digital platforms using a variety of media, including but not limited to social media posts, exhibits, program signage, etc.
- Design, plan, and implement one lasting impact project at a state park of your choice in the NYC Region.
- Assist with the creation and transportation of program materials. Keep materials organized and cataloged to maintain inventory.
- Assist with maple syrup production and education.
- Conduct research and perform fieldwork to support education programs, community science, and stewardship such as wildlife surveys and invasive species removal.
- Spend at least one workday each month with the region’s Stewardship Team removing invasive species from Parks and conducting research.
Marginal Duties
- Assist with general upkeep of facilities, including but not limited to handling live animals.
- Other duties as assigned by management based on the operational needs of regional parks and facilities.
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 Introduction.
- Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.
Additional requirements:
- Member must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with operation state vehicles.
- Member must be willing to regularly spend up to 4 hours traveling in a day between sites.
- Member must be willing to live in provided housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve.
- Member must be able to lift 30 lbs.
- Member must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Member must enjoy working with children.
- Member must be able to work independently and with a team.
- Member must be willing to work a varied schedule (including weekends and nights).
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
Knowledge of native flora and fauna is a plus!
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
• Free housing provided: Member is provided free housing at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve on Staten Island, NY.
• Member will live at the historic Gericke Farm’s farmhouse (4 bedroom, 1 bathroom) with 2 other SCA members.
• This Regional position will require daily travel from Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve to other state parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City using a provided state vehicle.
Compensation
$500/Week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
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
Additional Benefits
o 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
o SCA Risk Management
o Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
o Mental Health First Aid Training
o Wilderness First Aid & CPR
o Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
o New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
o Hudson River Ecology
o Leave No Trace Level 1
o Professional Development & Job Readiness
o 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
o Health Insurance
o 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.
