Summary: Work with a range of students and other citizen science volunteers to a) monitor springtime migrations of American eels, b) sample 60+ sites along the Hudson River for water quality and fish on one day and share data! This is a 10 month position through the Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorps with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program.
Citizen-Science Educator
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Hudson River Estuary Program coordinates research, education, and conservation efforts on the Hudson River, a waterway rich in biodiversity, storied in history, and famously scenic. We seek a self-motivated educator to help students and the public to discover the river’s stories.
The major activity of this member will be split between (a) supporting citizen-science field programs in local fisheries research and estuary monitoring and (b) providing electronic media, internet content, and public exhibits about the Hudson River estuary, its natural resources, DEC’s management role, and the importance of citizen involvement and stewardship to schools, service organizations, and the general public. A common thread through all these duties is the importance of communication and education about the river’s natural resources. Emphasis of duties will vary seasonally. Areas of responsibility include:
$ assist in coordination and implementation of citizen-science research on American eel migration. Tributaries are monitored daily by local students and community volunteers. Requires field work under variable conditions and the ability to be both an educator as well as a researcher http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/49580.html (25%);
$ assist in coordination and implementation of “A Day in the Life of the Hudson River”, an annual estuary-wide monitoring event for over 3000 participants at 60+ sites. Tasks include implementing teacher-training programs, coordinating equipment, and managing data results http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/47285.html (25%);
$ develop content for publications and for DEC’s Hudson River web pages (25%)
$ design and staff displays for riverfront festivals and other public gatherings (10%)
$ participate in all SCA Corps‑wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (15%)
Required:
- bachelor’s degree, with an academic background including course work in aquatic ecology, natural resources, environmental studies, education, or field methods;
- experience teaching water related topics to students and public in classroom and outdoor settings;
- excellent written and verbal communications skills;
- familiarity with basic word-processing and graphics programs, electronic media, and the Internet
- high degree of self-motivation and ability to work independently, tempered by cooperative spirit, tact, and patience.
-valid driver’s license. NOTE: This position requires work at the DEC Region 3 office in New Paltz, NY, and at the DEC Norrie Point office in Staatsburg, NY. A fleet car will be made available for field work and work-related travel in excess of commuting expectations to the two sites above.
Desired:
- experience and interest in ecological field work and methods,
- experience and interest in developing websites.
Pay and Benefits
- Living allowance of $160 per week
- Housing stipend of $525 per month
- Free health insurance
- Americorps Education Award of $5,350 after a 10 month term, which can be used towards paying loans or future school
Next Steps
Contact Chris Bowser at chbowser@gw.dec.state.ny.us
A full job description and application is available at http://www.thesca.org/node/325115