New York Corps- Environmental Education Fellow

Position Summary

To provide environmental education to Capital District communities, including underserved populations, through outdoor programs, classroom visits, as well as other public presentations. As the diversity of New York State continues to grow, Five Rivers prioritizes community outreach and culturally responsive environmental education for the Capital District. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is uniquely positioned between three defined metropolitan areas: Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. The support of SCA/AmeriCorps enables Five Rivers to pay significant attention to providing environmental education programs and services to these audiences. Interns also do informal interpretation on site at Five Rivers with a wide variety of audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop, plan, and implement outreach programs, including DEC’s Nature’s Schoolyard and Nature Bus initiatives, for underserved schools in defined urban areas of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. Develop and present outreach programs for community programs serving underserved youth from New York‘s Capital District (30%) 2. Develop and present on-site environmental education programs, including programs for students from pre-K to high school, as well as interpretive programs and walks for the public, based from the visitor center at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. (20%) 3. Participate in stewardship activities through community/citizen science research, invasive species removal and native gardening projects, trail checks and other duties as assigned (15%) 4. Present special programs, exhibits and/or services at local events, as well as for special needs audiences such as senior or nursing home facilities. (10%) 5. Participate in training and professional development including staff meetings and planning sessions, in-house training sessions on teaching methods, natural history and environmental science, and interpretation techniques. (10%) 6. Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%) As part of duties above, SCA interns have the opportunity to be the lead intern coordinator for one of three project areas: Community Science, Animal Care, or Native Gardens. These specific assignments will be determined when the full intern team is assembled.

Marginal Duties

Goal 1: Members will be certified in at least two (2) Guided School Program (GSP) outdoor lessons, do research and present three (3) presentations to staff, volunteers or public, as well as lead at least one month of Nature’s Schoolyard in-class lessons. Goal 2: Will assist in invasive species removal. Goal 3: Will grow and expand professional and educational skills as well as conservation and natural ecology knowledge through mentoring and various trainings. Goal 4: Will participate in and/or assist with at least one (1) community/citizen science initiative.

Required Qualifications

BA/BS degree in education, environmental studies, conservation/wildlife sciences or related disciplines preferred. Some experience dealing with youth. Some experience in public speaking contexts. Valid driver’s license of 3+ years and a clean driving record is required. Must be able to model respectful behavior towards the natural world including insects, mammals, birds, trees, plants, etc. Skills/Knowledge/Training Necessary to be a successful AmeriCorps Member in this position: Ability to perform a variety of outdoor functions, from manual labor to leading trail hikes, lessons, and field studies. Familiarity with/interest in natural resources. Ability to develop a positive rapport with a broad range of people, as well as with staff. Ability to work with minimal oversight. Ability to accept adjusted work schedule. A passion for sharing knowledge about the environment and for building capacity to work together towards a better tomorrow. A state vehicle is provided for all job-related duties, but personal transportation is necessary for any/all non-job-related tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

Age

Adults 18 or older

Compensation

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395 Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $400/week, and Free housing provided 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. Describe professional, personal, or service-related member development activities and training to be provided for member: AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation SCA Risk Management Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace SCA Driver’s Safety Training Mental Health First Aid Training Wilderness First Aid & CPR Environmental Education Curriculum Environmental Leadership Institute New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events Hudson River Ecology Leave No Trace Trainer Course Professional Development & Job Readiness

Living Accommodations

Members will receive a private room in a shared house on Five Rivers Property

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid Training