Bear Mountain State Park receives over a million visitors annually and roughly one in ten of these visitors, or 100,000, explore Trailside Museums & Zoo’s nature trail, animal exhibits, and museums. As an affordable destination within an hour drive of the New York metro region, Trailside serves a diverse audience, including many patrons from underserved communities.

The Trailside Education Program seeks to bring visitors into meaningful contact with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, specifically what can be found along the trails of Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks.

Through our orientation and training, the Trailside Museums and Zoo Environmental Educator will gain experience interacting with and educating our visiting public, becoming familiar with the principles and methods of interpretation and environmental education. You will gain experience using these new skills as an informal educator, guiding tours for schools and community groups, conducting topical presentations, leading weekend public programs and contributing to our special events. You will create activities, conduct lessons, assist with logistics and lead aspects of the summer day camp program. You will learn to plan and coordinate special events: Earth Day, Biodiversity Celebration and Boo at the Zoo. You will also assist Trailside staff and other interns with multimedia education, ongoing volunteer projects, restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and upkeep of the facilities.

General work schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, but it varies to accommodate programming needs. The term of this 10-month position is January 20, 2025 through November 21, 2025.

Housing is provided in a stone cottage shared with up to 2 other interns. Each intern has a private bedroom. Electric, heat & water utilities included. The cottage is a short walk from Trailside Museums & Zoo. You will be required to be a respectful roommate and responsible occupant of the house, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs.

This position is administered through the Student Conservation Association (www.thesca.org). In addition to your daily duties at Trailside Museums and Zoo, you will be required to participate in SCA events, such as orientation, training, meetings, and service projects.

Location

Trailside Museums & Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain, NY 10911

Salary

$400/week living allowance. AmeriCorps Education Award for successful completion of term of service: $7,395

Qualifications

Must be a citizen of the United States of America. Must be 18 or older. Must have a driver’s license valid for 3 years. Must have own vehicle. Must be comfortable and enjoy interacting with people of all ages, especially children. Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or education preferred. Experience working with children is preferred. General knowledge of local flora and fauna. Weekend and holiday work is required.