New York Corps- Environmental Educator & Animal Care Assistant

Position Summary

This position spans both our education and animal care programs. The Trailside Education Program seeks to bring visitors into meaningful contact with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, specifically what can be found along the trails of Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. It is our goal to foster in all visitors a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for the natural world. We achieve this goal through informal education for individuals and families; guided tours for schools and other groups; special events open to the public; a summer day camp for children entering grades 1-8; and topical presentations in spring, summer, and fall.

The Trailside Animal Care Program, which is integral to education and the visitor experience, provides husbandry for our local injured and non-releasable wildlife housed along Trailside’s nature trail, as well as live fish, reptiles, and amphibians (most non-releasable) in one of the museums. The animal care assistants feed, maintain, and care for the live animal collection. Given that many of the animals have permanent injuries, this care includes careful observation and monitoring of animal health. It is a shared goal of the Animal Care and Education Programs for the live animals at Trailside to serve as ambassadors for their species in our effort to educate our visitors about the natural world and our role as responsible stewards. Bear Mountain State Park receives over a million visitors annually and, conservatively, one in ten of these visitors, or 100,000, explore Trailside’s nature trail, animal exhibits, and museums.

As an affordable destination within an hour’s drive of the New York metro region, Trailside serves a diverse audience, including many patrons from underserved communities. The facility is designed for a self-directed experience. Visitors are guided by directional signage through a sequence of exhibits, displays, and museums. However, this experience is greatly enhanced through direct engagement of the public by trained staff. These personal interactions and the ensuing exchange of information add tremendously to the Trailside experience. This type of interactive education resonates especially well when paired with staff conducting active animal care or demonstrations. Working with the animal care and education staff, the EE/AC is needed to expand our capacity for direct interactions with our diverse audience, to more fully realize our educational goals.

Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The live animal exhibits at Trailside provide a valuable tool for engaging the public about local wildlife and nature in State Parks. The importance of the animals to Trailside patrons was made clear in visitor surveys conducted in 2012, during which they cited the animals as the most memorable part of their visit. Many also expressed a longing to know more about the animals. The Environmental Educator/Animal Care Assistant (EE/AC) position is designed to address this need. The EE/AC will learn important tools and skills for both animal care and environmental interpretation. The EE/AC will work with the Zookeepers, Educator, and other staff to enhance the interpretive experience for patrons of Trailside. The EE/AC will directly interact with the public through small impromptu “teaching moments” at the exhibits and more formal live animal presentations. The EE/AC will receive hands-on experience in animal care, husbandry and education and interpretation. The EE/AC will also collaborate with the Education staff to conduct the Trailside Discovery summer camp, seasonal public programs, special events and guided tours. Additionally, the EE/AC may assist Trailside staff and other interns with ongoing volunteer projects, including restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and general upkeep of the facilities.

Housing is provided in a stone cottage shared with up to 2 other interns. Each intern has a private bedroom. Electric, heat, air conditioning and water utilities included. The cottage is a short walk from Trailside Museums & Zoo. You will be required to be a respectful roommate and responsible occupant of the house, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs.

Goal 1: Provide interpretation at exhibits for visitors.

Goal 2: Become proficient in the animal care routine and handling education animals for programs.

Goal 3: Develop and conduct lessons for summer camp program, public programs and special events.

Marginal Duties

Required Qualifications

o Must be able to perform strenuous work.

o Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. o Must be able to stoop and climb stairs.

o Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

o Must be able to shovel snow.

o Must be able to stand or be on your feet for long periods of time.

o Must have excellent hand-eye coordination.

o If unable to meet the above physical qualifications, please notify in your application. Trailside Museums & Zoo can make reasonable accommodations. Comfort and enjoyment interacting with people of all ages, especially children. Must be comfortable working with animals. Prior experience at a zoo, animal hospital, or similar facility is desired, though not a pre-requisite. Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, dependable, and have excellent communication skills. Confident driving a 15-passenger van and pickup trucks.

Preferred Qualifications

General knowledge of local flora and fauna is desired.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Free housing provided on site

Compensation

$400/week Living Allowance

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

Health Insurance

LNT Level 1 Certification

Mental Health First Aid

$100 Professional Development Stipend

Environmental Leadership Institute

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.