Hudson Valley Corps - Educator Assistant bei The Student Conservation Association

Position Summary 

The mission of the NYSDEC’s Region 2 Bureau of Environmental Education program is to engage the people of New York City with the area’s local natural resources through programs that raise awareness, promote outdoor recreation, and inspire stewardship. The youth participating in the NYSDEC Region 2’s After-School Conservation Club and Summer Outdoor Explorers programs serve children attending a NYC public school. We use youth’s innate love of nature, whether it’s of ocean giants, roaming herds on the savannah, or minute bugs, to make a connection to the nature that surrounds NYC. For many this nature is unknown, even though it’s in the neighborhoods that weave across the city’s landscape. Participation in our Conservation Club program has helped to connect youth to the nature of NYC. Based on comparison of paired pre- and post-tests of 150 Conservation Club participants from the 2018-2019 school year, 54% listed more wild NYC plants or animals in their post-test when asked to list five plants or animals that live in NYC. Additionally, these same youth reported that for the first time they cast a fishing pole (40%), went on a bird walk (27%), and/or set up a camping tent (48%). While not measured directly with our audiences, research shows that playing in nature improves mental and physical health and increases emotional well-being. Outside play also helps children reduce stress, have more active imaginations, strengthen their immune systems, and have more respect for themselves and others.

Location 

Long Island City, NY

Schedule 

January 26, 2026 - December 18, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Members will provide the primary support for the After-School Conservation Club (ASCC) and Summer Outdoor Explorers (SOE) programs (60%). For the ASCC program, members will deliver one-hour lessons to groups of 20 third, fourth, and/or fifth graders during the afternoon at off-site NYC after-school programs operated by a community-based organization (ex. YMCA or Boys and Girls Club). Members will meet with the same one or two groups on a weekly basis (ex. Mondays at after-school A, Tuesdays at after-school B, etc.) for about 15 weeks in the spring and about 10 weeks in the fall. Members will be given latitude to deliver lessons tailored to the interest of their groups. The SOE program follows the same structure as the ASCC program except lessons are delivered outdoors at local parks during morning or afternoon sessions over the course of 4-6 weeks. Members will support the regional educators with the delivery of other school and community programs, professional development workshops, and public programs (10%). Members will develop and deliver lessons for the audiences listed above (10%). Members will spend one or two weeks at a DEC sleepaway camp and interact with and educate up to 45 youth, including campers from the DEC’s NYC Camps Program (5%). Members will complete mandatory SCA and DEC trainings and other professional development (15%). Goal 1: Deliver lessons to audiences that raise awareness, promote outdoor recreation, and/or inspire stewardship. Members will modify procedures from written curricula to meet the needs of each audience as well as implement group management strategies that maximize engagement. Goal 2: Develop, deliver, and refine new lessons. Members will minimally develop five lessons that focus on environmental topics of their choosing. Members will demonstrate the ability to develop engaging, age-appropriate lessons and to self-evaluate their instruction to refine their lesson’s procedures and meet its objectives. Goal 3: Develop and complete at least three professional goals tied to education and/or stewardship. Members will meet with supervisors at least once a month to develop, assess, and guide their progress. Past members’ goals have focused on developing skills (ex. plant and bird identification, classroom management) and knowledge (composting practices in NYC), as well as gaining specific experience (ex. developing and delivering a professional development workshop for pre-service classroom teachers).

Marginal Duties 

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications 

-College degree, experience, and/or passion for education, ecology, science, or related fields -Enthusiasm for the outdoors and nature -Ability to work in a team setting -Ability to work independently on select projects -Ability to deliver lessons outdoors in various weather conditions -Willing and able to travel via public transportation at least four days per week to off-site locations throughout New York City with a bag of educational supplies. -Completion of fingerprinting, background check, and medical clearance when required by partner organizations. This is separate from the SCA/AmeriCorps background check.

Preferred Qualifications 

-Fluency in Spanish and/or Chinese

-Valid driver license held for a minimum for 3 years with a clean driving record for operation of a DEC vehicle

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Member will be responsible for finding their own accommodations within commuting distance to Long Island City, NY.

Compensation  

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service in 2025: $7,395.00; 2026 Amount TBD Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week, and $1,100/month housing allowance for positions located in NYC Funding for work-related travel expenses on public transport

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

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

AmeriCorps and SCA Training

SCA Risk Management

Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

Mental Health First Aid Training

Wilderness First Aid & CPR

Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum

Environmental Leadership Institute

New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events

Hudson River Ecology

Leave No Trace Level I Certification

Professional Development & Job Readiness

Defensive Drive Training

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.