Environmental Educator- New York, New York
Organization: Hudson River Park Trust
Job Title: Environmental Educator
Location: New York, New York
Hours and Compensation: Part-time (20-30 hours/week). $20-25,000.
Benefits: Competitive wage commensurate with qualifications. Environmental Educator position will average 30 hours per week however actual hours may vary slightly depending on programming needs. This position qualifies for paid time off (vacation, sick, and personal time), paid holidays, medical, dental and vision coverage options and participation in the New York State Retirement benefits program.
Application Deadline: Now accepting applications.
Posted on: April 27, 2012
Organization Overview
The Trust, a New York State public benefit corporation, is charged with designing, constructing and operating Hudson River Park. Among the Trust’s major goals include improving the park’s estuarine sanctuary through public education, research and habitat enhancement and providing free and low-cost enrichment and recreational opportunities for park patrons. Hudson River Park spans five miles along Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront from 59th street to Battery Place. In addition to the approximately 150 acres of upland and piers, the park is also comprised of nearly 400 acres of the Hudson River that has been legislatively designated as an estuarine sanctuary. To properly manage this estuarine sanctuary, the Trust created an Estuarine Sanctuary Management Plan (ESMP) which focuses on achieving goals in expanding waterfront access, fostering environmental education, and natural resource protection and research.
The Trust’s E&E Department offers environmental education public programming throughout the year. These programs provide park patrons with first-hand educational experiences about the history, ecology and wildlife of the Park, the Hudson River and the City. The Trust offers both pre-scheduled classes for organized school and summer camp groups as well as interactive, educational experiences for park patrons. The Trust also participates in citizen science initiatives and fosters partnerships with research organizations to promote research and habitat enhancement initiatives within the estuarine sanctuary. In addition, E&E Department staff engages on a more limited basis, in other enrichment activities such as historic walking tours, facilitation of park patron access to visiting historic vessels, and assisting with partner organization enrichment programming in the park.
Responsibilities
The Environmental Educator reports to the Vice President of Environment and Education and the Education and Stewardship Director. Responsibilities include:
– Scheduling, program set-up/breakdown, teaching, and assisting in the evaluation of all E&E Department programs. Programs are usually hosted in outdoor locations throughout the park. Environmental Educator will be responsible for transporting program materials to teaching site. Responsibilities also include set-up and break-down of teaching site such as assembling pop-up tents, tables, fishing poles, and other program materials.
– Work as necessary to hire, train and supervise E&E Department seasonal staff, interns and volunteers. Environmental Educator will be involved in selecting, training, and supervising seasonal environmental educators who will assist in the implementation of peak season programming.
– Assist in the continuing development of existing program curricula, the development of new programs, and otherwise assist with department advancement initiatives as needed. Provide feedback on the effectiveness and quality of programs.
– Track inventory of program supplies and purchase program supplies as needed.
– Assist with building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with schools, community groups and research organizations.
– Some educational programs require direct interaction with marine and other animals. Environmental Educator must provide proper husbandry and accurate record keeping of such animals.
– When not otherwise engaged in programming duties, Environmental Educator will be asked to assist in various other department activities such as, grant writing, the creation of program brochures, development and maintenance of educational exhibits and displays, and other department tasks as necessary.
The above stated job responsibilities include a combination of administrative and field tasks. Environmental Educator should be comfortable working both in the office and outdoors. The position requires some manual labor and someone who is willing and able to work in all weather conditions.
During the Park’s peak programming season from May through August, Environmental Educator will be expected to maintain a flexible schedule and will be asked to frequently work weekends and occasionally work evenings as programs necessitate. During off peak season, this position will have a set schedule of normal business hours with occasional weekend days or evenings if a particular program or special event necessitates.
Qualifications
– General knowledge of environmental science and policy, with a specific understanding and appreciation of the Hudson River ecological system and its sub-systems.
– Knowledge of strengths and limitations of various learning theories and the ability to utilize effective teaching strategies.
– Must be flexible.
– Motivated self-starter with excellent interpersonal, presentation, communication (written and oral), organizational skills, and problem-solving skills.
– Bachelor’s degree or higher level of education in environmental science, education or other related field.
– At least two year of experience in environmental education or related field. Some supervisory experience is preferred.
– Must have a valid driver’s license.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and 3 references with pertinent contact information to: [email protected]. Writing sample may be required upon request.
