Environmental Educator 1

TITLE/GRADE:    ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR 1 / SG-14                                             

SALARY HIRING RATE:     $50,678 – $64,693  + ($3,087 Location Pay )                            

WORK LOCATION:   Shirley Chisholm State Park 

950 Fountain Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11239      

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/shirleychisholm/details.aspx             

REGION:     New York City Region                                                               

NEGOTIATING UNIT:     PEF NU 05 – Professional, Scientific &Technical                                                    

JURISDICTIONAL CLASS/ITEM #:   Competitive / Item # 8128                         

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:    Permanent/Contingent Permanent (Full-Time)                                                                                                                  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direction of the Park Manager & Environmental Educator 2, the Environmental Educator 1 will oversee educational programs & events at Shirley Chisholm State Park. The incumbent will primarily focus on developing environmental programming & events including coordinating, teaching and recruiting for field trips for school groups; planning public programs;  pop up programs and staff supervision.  This role will also require supporting regional environmental educational programs.

The Environmental Educator 1 is responsible for:

• Developing, conducting, publicizing, and evaluating environmental education courses and programing.
  • Coordinating field trips with schoolteachers, principals and other group leaders.
  • Preparing lesson plans for a wide range of ages and groups and developing teaching aids.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and revising and modifying courses in response to program needs, changes, deficiencies, and needs of particular groups.
  • Working with representatives from schools, colleges, organizations, and the public to promote and coordinate the facilities and programs.
  • Planning and conducting workshops for teachers and staff about environmental education programs and concepts.
• Creating monthly environmental education public programs
  • Leading public kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • Planning and leading large scale events such as Wildflower Festival and Treats on the Trails.
  • Leading the seasonal weeding program at the park by recruiting volunteers.
  • Coordinating important community science projects at the park.
  • Creating new public programs geared towards a wide range of audiences and contracting for equipment, performers, and presenters for public programs as needed.
• Developing, preparing, and revising exhibits, newsletters, and other materials
  • Conducting research & developing themes and exhibits.
  • Preparing and writing informational materials and illustrations for publication.
  • Maintaining and modifying exhibits, publications, audiovisual programs, and other material.
  • Acquiring, cataloging, and maintaining specimens and other teaching materials for programs; Managing and administering collections and exhibits.
  • Working with the stewardship team researching and surveying natural and environmental history and community science data collection and monitoring.
• Performing a variety of administrative activities to support programs or park operations
  • Recruiting, training, and supervising seasonal educators and SCA members as needed.
  • Recruiting and leading volunteer events focused on stewardship and park clean-ups.
  • Promoting events by creating and distributing flyers, newsletters, social media, and emails; working within a budget; purchasing and organizing materials and maintaining accurate inventory; overseeing the upkeep of the Nature Center.
• Participating in region-wide environmental education and stewardship initiatives, and working closely with volunteers, the community, and vendors to assure the Agency’s mission is always met.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Provisional Appointment

Four years of experience in environmental conservation in a professional or technical capacity or professional teaching of environmental education AND one year of experience teaching about or interpreting the natural world.

SUBSTITUTION: Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, environmental interpretation, environmental science, natural history, natural sciences, or a closely related field may substitute for four years of general experience.

NOTE: Individuals appointed provisionally must take, pass and be reachable for appointment from an appropriate Civil Service list.

OPERATING NEEDS:

• Daytime, weekend, holiday, and evening work is required. 
• Must have ability to work with groups of all ages; special focus or experience in early childhood education preferred.
• Must have ability and willingness to handle and care for live animals.
• Must  have and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License as a term and condition of employment.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• May be required to report to other facilities throughout the NYC region on an as needed basis.

BENEFITS:

There are various benefits that a permanent employee is entitled to, based on their negotiating unit:

• Vacation, Holiday, Sick, And Personal Leave
• Health Care Coverage
• Retirement Plan
• Payroll Deduction Savings Plans
• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program (EWP)

To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx