New York’s Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center is seeking an enthusiastic Environmental Educator for the 2023 season. Apply to be a SCA New York State Parks Corps member today!
About the NYS Parks Corps:
Service activities range from providing environmental education and
interpretation, to trail restoration, wildlife management, and organizing
volunteer events. All 21 Parks Corps members will gather regularly in Central
NY for SCA trainings and other professional development opportunities as they
arise. (**See Covid caveat above for potential exceptions to 2023 events)
Members share housing in groups of 1-4 members per location. NYS Parks Corps
members serve under the direction of regional Parks staff to assist in
accomplishing the mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation; to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and
interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and
to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural
resources. This position is located in New York’s Niagara Region, with housing
in Depew, NY.
Purpose of the Position:
NYSDEC’s Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center has an internal
mission statement: to inform and inspire citizens to take responsibility for
the environment. The AmeriCorps Member will enable us to engage citizens of
all ages in caring for the environments of Reinstein Woods, while also sharing
knowledge, especially with underserved youth, about the environment upon which
all life depends.
Community Needs that the Position Serves:
Reinstein Woods is uniquely positioned to serve more than a million citizens
in the Buffalo-Niagara Region, including youth in underserved neighborhoods of
the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls and their suburbs. More than 50% of
children in schools and youth organizations that Reinstein Woods serves
annually are from underserved or environmental justice communities. According
to the NYS Education Department, the Buffalo City School District (Reinstein
Woods’ biggest client) student population is 80% minority students, and 79% of
all students are economically disadvantaged. The Niagara Falls City School
District student population is 57% minority, and 72% of their students are
economically disadvantaged. Even within the four school districts serving the
first-ring suburb of Buffalo where Reinstein Woods is located, more than 50%
of all students qualify as economically disadvantaged. According to the
Children and Nature Network, research shows that “spending time in nature
enhances educational outcomes by improving children’s academic performance,
focus, behavior and love of learning.”1 With the support of SCA/AmeriCorps,
Reinstein Woods will be able to connect even more children to nature and the
environment.
1 https://www.childrenandnature.org/wp-
content/uploads/2017/07/CNN_AcademicOutcomes_16-10-27_O_newlogo.pdf
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The Member will be helping to connect youth from underserved communities with
their local environment while improving their knowledge and awareness of
environmental issues. Assisting with the Campership Diversity program will
introduce a new generation to the joy of outdoor recreation such as camping,
fishing, and hiking. Through stewardship programs, the Member will be engaging
people young and old in improving the environment while heightening their
awareness and understanding of environmental issues such as invasive species.
Through outreach activities, the Member will be attracting a larger audience
to Reinstein Woods’ education and stewardship programs and recruiting new
volunteers who can contribute to stewardship and education efforts. All of
these programs support DEC’s mission and Reinstein Woods’ mission.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Benefits:
Training Opportunities:
All SCA NYS Parks Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No
Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and professional development. Environmental
Education Stewards receive Certified Interpretive Guide training while
Conservation Stewards receive Game of Logging 1 & 2. Optional trainings
include NYSOEA, the American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe
Training, and other opportunities that arise through the SCA and the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Entry-level, Mid-level
Nonprofit- NGO
$300/ Week + Housing, Medical Insurance, and an AmeriCorps Education Award
Depew, NY, USA
2023-01-11 00:00