Individual Placement - Educator-Naturalist

Position Summary 

The Educator-Naturalist supports National Audubon Society’s mission by connecting people with nature through conservation action, community building, and conservation stewardship at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.

The Educator-Naturalist is based at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, and will also regularly support education, stewardship, monitoring, and conservation projects at Audubon's other Hudson Valley Sanctuaries - including Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary.

Working closely with Audubon's education and conservation staff, the Educator-Naturalist plays an active role in advancing conservation action through mission-driven education and community engagement programs.

The position supports classroom-based education, sanctuary field experiences, volunteer programs, and regional initiatives such as the Youth Climate Summit, helping participants connect conservation science with real-world action. Serving both suburban and urban communities throughout the region, the Educator-Naturalist engages students, educators, and community members in topics central to Audubon's mission, including bird conservation, habitat restoration, marsh ecology, forest and grassland health, and the Hudson River watershed.

Through these experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and are empowered to become stewards of birds, wildlife, and the habitats upon which they depend.

The Educator-Naturalist supports the day-to-day operations of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and serves as an ambassador for Audubon's conservation mission.

Through visitor engagement, educational exhibits, interpretive programming, and public outreach, the Educator-Naturalist helps create meaningful experiences for thousands of annual visitors. By fostering curiosity, appreciation, and a sense of connection to the natural world, the Educator-Naturalist helps inspire visitors to become active participants in conservation. The Educator-Naturalist will contribute to conservation and stewardship efforts across Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries, including Rheinstrom Hill, Buttercup Farm, and RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary.

Responsibilities may include habitat restoration, invasive species management, wildlife and vegetation monitoring, ecological research, and volunteer stewardship activities. Through these efforts, the position helps support Audubon’s goals of protecting birds, wildlife, and the habitats they depend upon. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of education, conservation action, land stewardship, and community engagement.

The Educator-Naturalist will develop practical skills in conservation education, habitat management, ecological monitoring, restoration, and nonprofit operations while working alongside experienced conservation professionals.

Through meaningful contributions to Audubon's education and conservation programs, the successful candidate will help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, advance on-the-ground conservation efforts, and support healthy habitats for birds, wildlife, and people throughout the Hudson Valley.

Hosting Organization

Audubon New York - Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary (CMACS)

Location 

Cold Spring, 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 an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.

Schedule 

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

Weekly Schedule

January-March: Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Mid-April-November: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. Holidays and Occasional evenings will be required for programming. The daily schedule might vary depending on the project

Corps members are expected to serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 10 months.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

45% Education, Public Programming & Outreach

• Deliver mission-driven education programs for schools, community groups, families, and the public.

• Develop and implement classroom lessons, field experiences, and conservation education programs focused on bird conservation, habitat stewardship, marsh ecology, and the Hudson River watershed.

• Support regional initiatives and special events, including the Youth Climate Summit, public canoe trips, guided hikes, and community outreach programs.

• Assist with curriculum development, lesson planning, program preparation, and evaluation.

• Engage a variety of audiences in conservation action through education, stewardship opportunities, and Community Science initiatives.

• Support public outreach through social media, educational materials, and special events. 25% Nature Center Operations & Visitor Services

• Support the daily operations of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary.

• Create a welcoming and engaging experience for visitors by interpreting the natural and cultural resources of Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.

• Provide information about Audubon's programs, sanctuary network, conservation initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.

• Maintain educational exhibits, program materials, supplies, and equipment.

• Assist with facility organization, housekeeping, and light maintenance to support safe and accessible visitor experiences. 15% Conservation Stewardship, Research & Monitoring

• Assist with habitat restoration, invasive species management, and stewardship projects across Constitution Marsh and the Hudson Valley Sanctuaries.

• Participate in wildlife monitoring and ecological research, including bird surveys, vegetation monitoring, and other conservation projects.

• Assist with trail maintenance, grounds upkeep, and habitat management activities that support biodiversity and public access.

• Support volunteer stewardship and Community Science events that contribute to Audubon's conservation goals.

• Develop practical knowledge of wetland ecology, bird conservation, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and nonprofit conservation operations.

• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners to advance conservation outcomes for birds, wildlife, and their habitats. Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%)

Marginal Duties 

• 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.

• Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.

Required Qualifications 

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.

• A personal vehicle is required.

• Must have experience canoeing or kayaking.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
• Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
• Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
• Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife. 

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Free housing provided Housing is available on-site at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and is a 2-bedroom shared apartment.

Compensation  

• Compensation: (weekly living allowance): $500/week

• Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award

• AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours

• Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395

• Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance

• Childcare coverage: Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

• Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Driving

Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
• Have a minimum of three years of state permitted and licensed driving experience.
• Be a minimum of 21 years old.
• Complete and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
• Able to complete and pass SCA’s driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.

Additional Benefits 

Health Insurance

SCA provides the following training opportunities to members:

o  Member AmeriCorps and SCA Training: Members will receive an AmeriCorps training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more

o  SCA Risk Management

o  Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

o  Mental Health First Aid Training

o  Wilderness First Aid & CPR

o  Environmental Education Curriculum

o  Environmental Leadership Institute

o  New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events

o  Hudson River Ecology

o  Leave No Trace Level 1

o  Professional Development & Job Readiness

o  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

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.