Parks and Recreation Aide 2 (Park Educator) Saratoga Spa State Park

Duties Description Under the general supervision of the Environmental Educator, Park Manager, and Historic Sites Regional Supervisor, the incumbent will assist with the operation of the Saratoga Museum of Hydrotherapy and the development and delivery of historical, interpretive, and educational programs at Saratoga Spa State Park.
The Saratoga Museum of Hydrotherapy interprets the history of hydrotherapy, balneology, mineral water treatments, bathing practices, health and wellness, and related cultural and scientific developments associated with Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Spa State Park. Museum exhibits include historic hydrotherapy and bathing equipment, scientific materials, photographs, documents, and other objects associated with the history and operation of the Lincoln Bathhouse and Saratoga's historic spa industry.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conducts guided tours, interpretive programs, and educational presentations for the public, school groups, organized groups, and other visitors.
• Provides accurate, objective, and historically appropriate interpretation concerning Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Spa State Park, the Lincoln Bathhouse, hydrotherapy, balneology, mineral springs, historic bathing practices, health and wellness traditions, and the historical development of Saratoga as a health destination.
• Conducts historical research and assists with the preparation and review of historical and educational materials used in museum programs, exhibits, and interpretive activities.
• Assists with the daily operation of the museum, including opening and closing procedures, visitor assistance, program setup and breakdown, and routine monitoring of museum and visitor areas.
• Assists with proper care, handling, protection, documentation, and presentation of museum artifacts, interpretive materials, and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Reports damage, safety concerns, maintenance issues, or other conditions affecting museum exhibits, artifacts, equipment, or visitor areas to appropriate supervisory personnel.
• Assists with special events, lectures, demonstrations, school programs, educational activities, and other public programming conducted by Saratoga Spa State Park.
• Maintains program records, attendance information, educational materials, schedules, and other administrative records associated with museum operations and programming.
• Utilizes audiovisual and presentation equipment, and other technology necessary to support museum operations and educational programming.
• Assists with other educational and interpretive programs conducted throughout Saratoga Spa State Park.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Environmental Educator, Park Manager, or other appropriate supervisory personnel.
  

Additional Comments PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in education, history, museum interpretation, public programming, visitor services, or a closely related field; OR one year of college study with specialization in history, education, natural science, natural resources, museum studies, hydrotherapy, balneology, or a closely related field.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

• Communicate effectively and professionally with individuals and groups and present historical, scientific, and educational information in a clear, accurate, and engaging manner.
• Work independently with general direction and exercise appropriate judgment in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate records and follow established administrative and operational procedures.
• Follow established safety, security, museum, historic preservation, artifact handling, and operational procedures.
• Respond professionally and appropriately to routine visitor questions and concerns and refer matters requiring supervisory attention to appropriate staff.
• Perform medium physical labor, including standing and walking for extended periods and assisting with the setup and breakdown of programs, exhibits, and educational activities.
• Walk over uneven terrain and work in a variety of indoor and outdoor park environments.
• Work weekends, holidays, evenings, and other non-traditional hours as required by museum operations, educational programming, special events, and seasonal schedules.
• Obtain and maintain all required agency safety training and certifications, including First Aid/CPR/AED.
  

BENEFITS:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System and is eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage. There is opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time & service requirements has been met. For more information, please visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx