About this role
Position Summary
The AmeriCorps Member will deliver education and recreation programs in New York's Allegany Region.
Location
Salamanca, NY
Schedule
March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The SCA Education Steward will continue to develop and deliver interpretive programs for onsite delivery in the Allegany Region. These will include but are not limited to such potential interests such as: local wildlife, birds, plants, invasive species, erosion, water quality, and recreational programs such as fishing, disc golf, nature crafts and kayaking. The SCA Education Steward will work as a part of a team of dedicated educators and naturalists to educate the public.
Over the last five years, we have seen an increase in requests throughout the year for programming for school groups through the Connect Kids Grant both at Allegany and in the Chautauqua parks.
The SCA Education Steward will assist with school groups in all parks as needed. During the peak season (late May until Mid-October), they will assist other educators with programs and events while learning to craft their own programs in Allegany, Lake Erie, Midway and Long Point State Parks.
Interns will design, present, and assist in promoting programs in the Region including delivering several programs throughout our 10-week summer programming schedule. Additionally, interns will be able to assist in planning any special programs or events at the parks. These programs include “Love My Park Day” at Long Point State Park and “Kick Off Summer” at Lake Erie and “National Public Lands Day at Allegany”.
They will also be responsible for developing from start to finish their own event. The SCA Educator will be housed in Allegany State Park, office workspace will be provided at Allegany and programs will be delivered regionally as needed.
The experience will truly offer a wide range of resources and experiences throughout the region. Those resources will include the opportunity to work with and be supported by the Allegany Region Interpretive staff along with various other trainings and opportunities as they occur.
The Student Conservation Association New York State Parks Corps program is a seven-month residential program focusing on trail construction, environmental education, cultural interpretation, volunteer coordination, event planning, administrative assistance, invasive species removal, and more!
The program is a partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The New York State Parks Corps program aims to give those early in their career first-hand experience while also providing valuable service to New York State.
Members live with one to five other members in a state park or DEC property and are supervised day-to-day by OPRHP or DEC staff. The SCA New York State Parks Corps is an AmeriCorps program.
Marginal Duties
Deliver Programs and assist with Connect-Kids school groups throughout the region.
Develop, assist, and create educational programs for all ages, and inform patrons about the local flora and fauna and natural history of the Allegany Region State Parks.
Assist with advertising and promoting programs and special events within the region.
Required Qualifications
Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and design platforms. Excellent communication and ability to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. Must be detail-oriented, dependable, self-motivated and can work very well independently.
Ability to physically move through the environment where the programs are being conducted; to include, walking, hiking, reaching, lifting, squatting, crawling etc. in all seasons.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, or science preferred; relevant experience will be considered.
Ability to interpret and identify key flora, fauna, ecology, geology, and cultural history of the area.
Course work, experience or passion for ecology, biology, education, natural history or related field.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
A private, one-bedroom cabin adjacent to the education center within Allegany State Park with a bathroom, kitchen, semi-private yard, and space for a Member vehicle.
Compensation
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service in 2026: $5,176.50 Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week, and Free housing provided.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Mental Health First Aid
Interpretive Skills
Certified Interpretive Guide
Wilderness First Aid Training
Leave No Trace Level 1 Educator Training
Possible ACA Canoe Training
Health Insurance
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.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- The AmeriCorps Member will develop and deliver interpretive education and recreation programs focusing on local wildlife, ecology, and recreational activities across the Allegany Region State Parks. Responsibilities also include assisting with school groups, designing and presenting summer programs, and independently developing a signature event from start to finish.
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