What are the responsibilities and job description for the Individual Placement - Outdoor Educator position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
Outdoor Educator The Taconic Outdoor Education Center (TOEC) provides residential and day environmental education experiences and team building programs for public and private schools, college, universities and civic groups. TOEC also offers public programs to the surrounding communities.
TOEC serves the public, local school groups, scout troops and other groups as needed. Of the school groups, TOEC serves a large NYC base. There has been a decline in outdoor activity for youth across the board as well. Research shows that playing in nature improves mental and physical health and increasing emotional well-being. Outside play also helps reduce stress in children and children have more active imaginations, stronger immune systems, and have more respect for themselves and others. Hosting an AmeriCorps member will allow TOEC to meet its programming goals and reach as many children as possible.
There are a number of responsibilities undertaken by the SCA member that will benefit the community and specifically the students that are engaged in lessons/activities/experiences at the TOEC. The direct contact that the SCA member will have with public and private NY City school students will have a long lasting impact. The hands-on activities that the SCA member provides will emphasize the importance of being good stewards of the natural environment.
NY City public and private school students benefit directly from the services provided by the SCA member. Hundreds of 4th-6th grade students will have the opportunity to experience overnight environmental education trips that teach the importance of a healthy environment and how that contributes to clean drinking water and fresh air. Students often have first time experiences out of NY City during these trips
Location
Cold Spring, NY
Schedule
March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
As an Outdoor Educator the SCA member will work with other education staff members to provide educational and recreational programs to schools, civic and public groups. The member will be responsible for working independently with his/her own group of students in providing environmental education and team building programs. He/she will also provide high and low ropes programs on our courses. In addition, the member will be assisting with daily operations of the facility and delivery of program goals. Goals in mind for the candidate are as followed: 1. Contact with students has a long lasting impact in teaching younger generations to be good stewards.
Marginal Duties
Helping to document project progress (photos, notes, or social media updates). Participating in outreach or community engagement event.
Required Qualifications
BS in Life/Earth Science, Outdoor Education, Environmental Studies, Nature Interpretation or related field. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable working with the public in various settings; Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lead groups on hiking trails through forested areas with varying degrees of terrain.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous formal or informal teaching experience is desirable Low and high ropes course operation experience a plus.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing provided at host site
Compensation
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $5,176.50 Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
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