Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleEnvironmental Educator 1 - John Boyd Thacher
Occupational CategoryEducation, Teaching
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $68630 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description Under the direction of Environmental Educator 2, the Environmental Educator 1 will support educational programs & events at John Boyd Thacher State Park and Thompsons Lake Campground. The incumbent will primarily focus on developing environmental programming and events including planning public programs and events and coordinating and teaching field trips and pop-up programs.
Duties of this position will include but are not limited to:
• Developing, conducting, publicizing, and evaluating environmental education programing.
o Preparing lesson plans for a wide range of ages and groups and developing teaching aids.
o Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and revising and modifying courses in response to program needs, changes, deficiencies, and needs of particular groups.
o Working with representatives from schools, colleges, organizations, and the public to promote and coordinate the facilities and programs.
o Planning and conducting workshops for teachers and staff about environmental education programs and concepts.
• Creating monthly environmental education public programs and annual events.
o Planning and leading large-scale events such as Hawk Watch, Nature Bus, and the Winter Bazaar.
o Connecting underserved communities with the Nature Center, and advance agency diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Thacher and Thompson’s Lake State Parks.
o 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, flyers and other materials.
o Conducting research & developing themes and exhibits.
o Preparing and writing informational materials and illustrations for publication and program promotion.
o Maintaining and modifying exhibits, publications, audiovisual programs, and other materials.
o Acquiring, cataloging, and maintaining specimens and other teaching materials for programs.
o 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
o Recruiting, training, and supervising seasonal educators, volunteers and SCA members.
o Assisting with community and volunteer engagement and outreach including trail user groups, Friends of Thacher State Park, Nature Bus, the local community, and other groups that affiliate with the park.
o Working within a budget; purchasing and organizing materials and maintaining accurate inventory.
o Assisting in the upkeep and maintenance 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 Permanent Competitive Appointment: To be considered for permanent appointment, candidates must be reachable on the current Civil Service eligible list or be eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.
For Permanent Non-Competitive NY HELPS Appointment:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).***
To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:
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: An associate degree in a related field can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s degree in a related field can substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree in a related field can substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate in a related field can substitute for six years of experience.
***For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Additional Comments OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• Daytime, weekend, holiday, and evening work is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must have ability to work with groups of all ages.
• Must have ability and willingness to handle and care for live animals.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates may be required to report to other facilities throughout the region on an as needed basis.
BENEFITS:
Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:
• Paid Time Off:
o PEF: 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays.
o PEF: Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development
• Health Care Benefits:
o Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
o Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• Additional Benefits:
o New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
o NYS Deferred Compensation
o Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
o Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
o Paid Parental / Family Leave
To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address Rebecca.Schneider2@parks.ny.gov
Address
Street Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
87 Nature Center Way
Notes on ApplyingAPPLICATION PROCEDURE:
If you feel you meet the minimum qualifications and agency operating needs and are interested in being considered for this vacancy, please submit an application and resume demonstrating how you meet the stated minimum qualifications.
The employment application (Part 1 – Pre-Interview Form S1000) can be downloaded from the website of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at:
FillableUpdatedParksEmployeeApplicationS1000Part1Saratoga.pdf
Please email your application and resume to Rebecca.Schneider2@parks.ny.gov.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications and agency operating needs.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Agency