What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hudson Valley Corps - Stewardship Educator position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
Educator
Nestled atop the Helderberg Escarpment, John Boyd Thacher State Park protects over 2,000 acres of high-quality woodland, meadow, wetland, and lake habitat. The New York Natural Heritage Program has identified two Significant Natural Communities within its boundaries, and the entire park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The Educator will connect individuals to these valuable resources through guided school field trips, interpretive public programs, tabling events, and other educational engagements. Additionally, the Educator will supplement the general educational mission of the park by providing and assisting with occasional geologic and historical interpretation programs. Members may also be required to assist with stewardship initiatives, volunteer coordination, event coordination and additional tasks as needed.
Thacher State Park is a great location for the study of biological sciences. As such, it attracts thousands of students from kindergarten through college each year for hands-on education. Additionally, Thacher State Park’s proximity to the cities of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy provides convenient wilderness and open space access to individuals living in urban areas. Thacher State Park strives to provide patrons with a fulfilling recreational and educational experience.
Members will further this mission by providing educational programs, assisting with events, and completing stewardship projects that directly impact patron experience throughout the park.
Location
Voorheesville, NY
Schedule
March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Educator will have a number of responsibilities during their term, including:
The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s unique biological features;
The creation and completion of educational programs focused on the park’s geologic and historical qualities, as necessary;
Assistance with ongoing stewardship projects throughout the park, including Project FeederWatch in the winter, Project NestWatch in the spring/summer, and wild parsnip removal in the summer;
Assistance in the planning and completion of several events throughout the year, such as I Love My Parks Day in May, and Hawk Watch in September;
Contributing to the ongoing educational mission of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center by answering phone calls, maintaining and updating exhibits, caring for our live animals, and completing other tasks as necessary.
Goals in mind for the candidate are:
Goal 1: Prepare and present at least two new educational or interpretive programs on the biological resources of Thacher State Park.
Goal 2: Directly educate, or assist with educating, at least 500 individuals across all programs and events.
Goal 3: Maintain or improve at least one mile of trail, or at least five acres of land in the Thacher Park area.
Marginal Duties
SCA AmeriCorps members are encouraged to pursue development of programs and projects in their area of interest. Thacher State Park is a dynamic work environment, and SCA AmeriCorps members may be asked to assume reasonable duties and responsibilities in addition to those listed above.
Required Qualifications
- Members must have an associate’s degree or higher, preferably in Geology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Education, or related field.
- Ability to interact professionally with unhappy patrons
- Ability to work independently or with a partner
- Computer and technology skills are desired but not a requirement
- A desire to work with children.
- Baseline knowledge of the biological and earth sciences, either from coursework or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- A background in education is desired, but the most important qualities to possess are enthusiasm, positive energy, and a desire to learn.
- Computer and technology skills are desired.
- Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts are desired but not a requirement
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing Provided
Compensation
- Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $5,176.50
- Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
- 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
- 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.
Salary : $440