Environmental Educator – Seasonal
Hudson River Park
Organization Description:
The Trust is a public benefit corporation and a 501(c)(3) charitable organization created by act of the New York State Legislature. The mission of the Trust is to design, construct, maintain and operate a heavily used four-mile-long waterfront park and Sanctuary on Manhattan’s west side. The Park is also financially self-supporting, generating its operating budget from commercial tenancies and permittees located within the Park’s boundaries as well as from grants, sponsorships, donations and other sources.
The Trust’s River Project educates over 30,000 people each year through free and low-cost programming that connect people of all ages to our local waterways and inspire the next generation of River stewards. In addition, Educators will support Park research including oyster restoration, marine debris cleanups and fish surveys. Maintenance of the Wetlab, a 3,500-gallon flow-through aquarium system, will be another task shared amongst the River Project team.
Position Description:
Seasonal Environmental Educators will assist in furthering the Park’s mission of protecting its 400-acre Estuarine Sanctuary and stewardship of the Hudson River through science and education. Seasonal Educators will lead a wide range of hands-on STEM programs for NYC students and the general public throughout Hudson River Park. This position is an excellent opportunity for those interested in urban environmental education and science communication. Seasonal Educators will be part of the Hudson River Park Trust’s River Project team of scientists and educators and will report to the Environmental Education Manager.
Successful candidates will have prior experience working with children and/or prior knowledge of environmental/marine science. We seek team players who want to gain experience in the environmental field by using the Park as a classroom to provide impactful educational experiences. This position is primarily program implementation and field work, with limited administrative tasks. Additionally, Seasonal Environmental Educators will work a Tuesday to Saturday schedule with some evenings.
Reports to:
Environmental Education Manager
Job Requirements & Responsibilities:
Specific Tasks & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Teach the Park’s environmental education programs through school and summer camp field trips centered on Hudson River wildlife, shoreline ecology, plankton microscopy and more
– Implement public education programs at both indoor and outdoor locations throughout the Park, including catch & release fishing workshops, guided tours, and open hours at the Wetlab aquarium and new Pier 57 classroom
– Develop teaching materials to be used in programming and maintain various department resources, such as fishing poles and kids crafts
– Support the ongoing maintenance of fish tanks and learn to handle live fish and other marine wildlife
– Support the Park’s estuarine research and science projects on such topics as oysters, fish ecology, marine debris and Park sustainability
– Teach catch and release fishing and handle live fish and bait
Education & Experience Requirements:
– Completion of at least two years towards a Bachelor’s or an Associate’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience
– Coursework focused on marine, environmental science, history or education is preferred
– Strong interest in teaching diverse audiences a variety of environmental themes
– Aligned with the Park’s commitment to DEIJ, we look for applicants with a strong interest in environmental justice
– Comfort interacting with members of the public in a friendly and professional manner
– Ability to work as a part of a team, multitask and problem solve
Physical & Other Requirements:
– Willingness to get muddy, handle live animals, work outside in all weather conditions and practice catch and release fishing
– Ability to lift around 30 pounds is preferred
– Either a valid driver’s license or ability to ride a bicycle is preferred
– Proof of Covid-19 vaccination status required
Candidate Qualifications:
Education & Experience Requirements:
– Completion of at least two years towards a Bachelor’s or an Associate’s Degree or equivalent relevant experience
– Coursework focused on marine, environmental science, history or education is preferred
– Strong interest in teaching diverse audiences a variety of environmental themes
– Aligned with the Park’s commitment to DEIJ, we look for applicants with a strong interest in environmental justice
– Comfort interacting with members of the public in a friendly and professional manner
– Ability to work as a part of a team, multitask and problem solve
Position Type:
Seasonal
Union Status:
Non-Union
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Salary or Compensation:
$19.00/hourly
Organization or Project Website:
HudsonRiverPark.org
Application Info:
Interested applicants are to submit a resume and cover letter with your preferred term length specified to the Human Resources Office at resumes@hrpt.ny.gov. Indicate Job Code: Seasonal Environmental Educator 2023 in the subject line of the email.
No phone calls please.