The posting
Position Summary
Nestled atop the Helderberg Escarpment, John Boyd Thacher State Park protects over 2,000 acres of high-quality woodland, meadow, wetland, and lake habitat. The New York Natural Heritage Program has identified two Significant Natural Communities within its boundaries, and the entire park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The Education and Service Project Steward will work with the Volunteer Coordinator and EE 2 to recruit and schedule individuals and groups of volunteers to work on trail and natural resource projects. Additionally, the Education and Service Project Steward will supplement the general educational mission of the park by providing and assisting with occasional education programs and daily operations of the Nature Center. Members may also be required to assist with event coordination and additional tasks as needed.
In addition to their work at Thacher Park, the Education and Service Project Steward may be required to work up to two days a week at Peebles Island State Park, located in Cohoes, NY, to assist with their education programing and trail management. Responsibilities at Peebles Island may include:
• Leading or assisting public education programs, such as lectures, workshops, citizen science, stewardship demonstrations, and filed trips .
• Acting as a greeter to patrons of the park and answering phone calls to provide information about the park and its programming.
• Management of invasive species, such as buckthorn, bittersweet, and barberry.
• Trail sustainability improvement projects and caring for animal ambassadors.
The Education and Service Project Steward will be working towards designing, recruiting for, and executing a large-scale service project/initiative that will have a lasting and positive impact on the park and its surrounding ecosystem, as well as educating volunteers and the public throughout each of these steps. Some examples of such projects include, but are not limited to, construction of a trail-head kiosk or trail bridge, completion of an extensive trail blazing initiative, thorough management of an invasive species in a designated area, or a trail re-design that improves sustainability. During slow periods and on an as-needed basis, the Education and Service Project Steward will participate in general maintenance work, like landscaping and small repairs, to expand their skillset and knowledge and further enable their abilities to complete the Term Goal. This work may include the use of equipment such as lawn mowers, carpentry tools, hand tools, and ATVs.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historical landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.
The SCA New York partners with state agencies and non profit organizations across the state of New York. SCA New York members serve in 10-month positions alongside conservation professionals, engaging in conservation stewardship projects and education services for the general public.
Hosting Organization
Thacher State Park, NYS OPRHP
Location
Voorheesville, NY
- This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
- This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
- This position may conduct work in a backcountry setting where emergency services are limited and may be delayed by several hours to days. Access to public transportation at work site is not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
Schedule
January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Assistance in the field with ongoing stewardship projects throughout the park, including Project FeederWatch in the winter, Project NestWatch in the spring/summer, and wild parsnip, black swallowwort, purple loosestrife, and buckthorn removal in the summer & fall.
- Lead or accompany public education programs, such as lectures, workshops, citizen science, stewardship demonstrations, and filed trips
- Assist with the communication, coordination and completion of volunteer programs and stewardship projects at Thacher Park, Thompson’s Lake Campground, and Peebles Island State Park with conservation at the forefront. Such projects may include erosion control, trail sustainability, wildlife and natural area preservation, and habitat restoration.
- Participation in the planning and completion of several events throughout the year, such as Snow Much Fun Day in February, Luminary Walk in April, I Love My Parks Day in May, and Harmony on the Hill and Hawk Watch in September;
Marginal Duties
- These responsibilities accumulate approximately to 50% stewardship/field work, 35% education,15% recreation, and 5% office work. The steward is encouraged to incorporate an educational component to most, if not all, public volunteer programs and workshops
- Contributing to the ongoing educational mission of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center and Peebles Island State Park by answering phone calls, maintaining and updating exhibits, caring for our live animals, and completing other tasks as necessary.
Required Qualifications
- Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the mid-point of a members’ term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members’ end of service.
- Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system, ADP
- Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Introduction.
- Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.
- Members must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Geology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Education, or related field.
- Personal vehicle required
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to interact professionally with unhappy patrons
- Ability to work independently or with a partner
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
- Being at least 18 years or older
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in invasive species removal and habitat restoration
- Baseline knowledge of the biological and earth sciences, either from coursework or experience
- A background in biology or education is valuable, but the most important qualities to possess are enthusiasm, positive energy, and a desire to learn
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Shared housing with fellow Thacher SCA's is provided on Thacher State Park property.
Compensation
- $500/Week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
A personal vehicle is required for personal travel.
Driving
Driving an OPRHP Vehicle is required for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the NY OPRHP, you must:
Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)
Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training
Additional Benefits
Additional Benefits
- Member AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
- SCA Risk Management
- Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR
- Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
- New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
- Hudson River Ecology
- Leave No Trace Level 1
- Professional Development & Job Readiness
- Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
- Health Insurance
- AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.



