Seasonal Environmental Educator 6 Months
The Seasonal Environmental Educator (SEE) assists the Lead Educator (LE) and the Education Department with developing and implementing interpretive and educational programs for the APBP compatible with the ecological resources, research, and management goals of the preserve and in alignment with APBPC Management Plan and Community Connection Initiative. The primary responsibility of the SEE is to lead Pine Bush-centered interactive, hands-on, in-person, and virtual education programs for a diversity of audiences including school groups from grades pre-K – university level, special interest groups and the public. The SEE will also participate in the creation and planning of education programs. Education programs take place at the Discovery Center, on the trails of the APBP and at local venues throughout the region including local schools. Interpretation of Discovery Center exhibits to the visiting public and assisting with care for the Discovery Center’s captive turtle collection are also responsibilities of the SEE.
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC) is a public-private partnership created by the NYS Legislature in 1988 to protect and manage the Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP) and provide the public with educational and recreational opportunities. The Management Plan for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve guides all aspects of creating and managing the preserve.
The 3,400+ - acre APBP, located in New York’s Capital District, protects one of the best remaining inland pitch-pine scrub oak barrens in the world. This extraordinary fire-dependent ecosystem provides habitat for many plants and animals, including more than 20 percent of New York State’s wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The APBP is a National Natural Landmark, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Site, National Recreation Trail Site, a New York State Unique Area, Birding Trail Site and Bird Conservation Area, and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails, the APBP offers visitors with a variety of interests many recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing.
As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, is a “green” certified interpretive center where visitors come to understand why the Pine Bush is rare and special. This unique destination provides for exciting exploration where learning comes naturally through interactive exhibits, an outdoor Discovery Trail, and numerous programs on the ecology, natural history, cultural history and management of the Pine Bush.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and lead in-person and virtual Pine Bush-centered, standards-based, interactive and hands-on education programs for a diversity of school (and home school) groups from grades pre- K – university level.
- Participate in creating and leading in-person and virtual Pine Bush–centered interpretive programs for the public, including programs geared towards families and special interest groups.
- Create and assemble materials to accompany new education and interpretive programs.
- Support guest public education program leaders by attending programs and providing assistance with needs that arise.
- Assist with interpretive writing including creation of brochures and other publications.
- Provide technical support for virtual programs and webinars on Zoom and Google Classroom.
- Provide Discovery Center visitor assistance and provide for a safe and pleasant visitor experience.
- Help support Education Volunteers.
- Share responsibility for program set-up and clean-up including Discovery Center classrooms.
- Share coverage of weekend and evening programs.
- Ability to prioritize tasks in the absence of direct supervision.
- Communicate with supervisor to resolve any unforeseen problems or questions.
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Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred with a major in environmental education, environmental science, cultural or natural history interpretation, biology, elementary/secondary education or other related field preferred and a minimum of one-year work experience in a nature center, teaching or other work experience related to public education.
- Experience delivering education programs to a diversity of audiences.
- Knowledge of natural sciences and/or ecology.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public-speaking skills.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office’s suite of software applications.
- Able to use technology in interpretation and environmental education programming.
- Comfortable using an iPad and related products.
- Experience creating and editing videos.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally in personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement, work flexible hours, including some weekends and evenings.
- Current certification in basic first aid and CPR preferred or willingness to become certified.
- Work requires physical exertion and infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.
APBPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
APBPC does not discriminate in its employment opportunities or practices on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, hairstyle and hair texture, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information/predisposition or carrier status, age, religion, creed, domestic violence victim status, and any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.
APBPC is an at-will employer.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of APBPC for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Department: Education
Supervisor: Jackie Citriniti, Lead Educator
Location: Albany, NY
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification of Position: Seasonal, Full Time
Dates of Employment: Mid-September-End of March (6 months)
Compensation and Hours Per Week: $15.00/hour
37.5 hours/week (Tuesday – Saturday)
Housing: Not included
Date prepared: July 22, 2022
Date Posted: 07-23-2022
Expire Date: 08-12-2022
Contact Name: Jackie Citriniti, Lead Educator
Contact Email: jcitriniti@albanypinebush.org
Additional Instructions:
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Deadline 4:00pm August 12, 2022 Please e-mail cover letter, resume, and three references to: Jackie Citriniti jcitriniti@albanypinebush.org No phone calls please.
Documents: Seasonal Environmental Educator Job Description |