Individual Placement - SCA Educator (DEC Reinstein Woods) presso The Student Conservation Association

Position Summary 

NYSDEC’s Reinstein Woods Education Center has an internal mission statement: to inform and inspire citizens to take responsibility for the environment. The AmeriCorps Member will enable us to engage citizens of all ages in caring for the environments of Reinstein Woods, while also sharing knowledge, especially through youth education, about the environment upon which all life depends.

Location 

Depew, NY

Schedule 

January 26, 2026 - November 23, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Assist with youth programs aimed at providing additional access to nature: Assist with a variety of programs, including presenting Discover Your Neighborhood sessions in after-school care programs, assisting with Pathways to Learning Youth Educators Program, and assisting with field trips for the Western Region Campership Program. (15%)
2. Conservation and Stewardship: Lead citizens, youth groups and others in educational tours and stewardship activities at Reinstein Woods. Specifically, the position will coordinate the “Trail Thursdays” volunteers, who perform trail maintenance and invasive species removal weekly during the warm months of the year. The position will also participate in conservation activities outlined in site management plans, including monitoring and removing invasive species and coordinating the “Phragmites Strike Team” volunteers, and leading additional volunteer groups in stewardship activities. (30%)
3. Outreach and Volunteer recruitment: Represent Reinstein Woods at off-site fairs, festivals, science nights, and youth field days. Make presentations to organizations as requested to recruit more volunteers for Reinstein Woods’ education and stewardship programs. (20%)
4. Present on-site environmental education programs for pre-K to high school students, youth organizations, and the general public. (15%)
5. Participate in all SCA Corps-wide training and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%)
6. Assist with animal care, education center greeter duties, and major events such as the Fall Festival and Outdoors Day. (5%)

Marginal Duties 

Goal 1: Member presents high-quality Discover Your Neighborhood and Pathways sessions in public schools and after-school care programs. Students are engaged, and pre- and post-lesson surveys show an increase in awareness and appreciation for the natural world.

Goal 2: “Trail Thursdays” volunteers are engaged weekly from May to September. Phragmites Strike Team volunteers are trained in proper plant removal techniques and monitoring procedures. Phragmites sites are monitored at least once a month from May to September. Phragmites removal is completed at 75% of priority sites.

Goal 3: Member prepares materials for tabling and interactive activities for at least one outreach activity per month when possible. Interactions with the public are positive and result in increased attendance at public programs and at least 5 new volunteer forms being submitted.

Required Qualifications 

• Skills:
  • Some experience working with youth.
  • Some experience in public speaking contexts.
  • Ability to perform a variety of outdoor functions, from manual labor to leading trail hikes, lessons and field studies.
  • Basic computer skills including Excel data entry
  • Ability to develop a positive rapport with youth and adults.
  • Ability to work with minimal oversight and in a team setting.
  • A passion for sharing knowledge about the environment and for building capacity to work together towards a better tomorrow.
• Knowledge:
  • Education: some coursework or experience
  • Community Engagement: some coursework or experience
  • Public Speaking: some coursework or experience
  • Working With Children: some coursework or experience
  • Biology: some coursework, experience, or interest
  • Plant Identification: some coursework, experience, or interest
  • Training: Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, or science preferred; relevant experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, or science preferred
• Relevant experience will be considered

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

A three-bedroom house in DEC Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve adjacent to the nature center shared with two-three other DEC stewards. The house has a bathroom, a kitchen, and a private yard.

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
• Free housing provided

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Drive Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Mental Health First Aid
• Interpretive Skills
• Certified Interpretive Guide
• Wilderness First Aid Training
• Leave No Trace Level 1 Educator Training
• Possible ACA Canoe 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.