Individual Placement - Community Science Educator

Position Summary 

In-house evaluation of attendees at some Hudson River Research Reserve educational programs indicates general lack of prior knowledge of Hudson River Estuary tidal marsh functions and understanding of services they provide to local communities. A preliminary look at the results of a pilot evaluation of school groups attending Hudson River Research Reserve education programs also indicates lack of prior knowledge of the function and services of the Hudson River Estuary. As development pressures increase in the Hudson Valley, environmental literacy and stewardship will become increasingly important to protect the integrity of the Hudson River Estuary and these habitats. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), of which the Hudson River Research Reserve is a member, has identified public education and K-12 (kindergarten through high school) education as program areas of National Focus. This program is operated as a partnership between New York State and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Goals: •Increase scientific understanding of Hudson River estuarine habitats. •Increase estuarine literacy to promote active stewardship, behaviors, and decisions. •Increase informed decision-making to protect and enhance Hudson River habitats. •Enhance stewardship of the land and water ecosystems within the Reserve. •Enhance Reserve operational capacity and facilities to support all previous programmatic goals.

 

Location 

Staatsburg, NY

 

Schedule 

January 26, 2026 - July 3, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

This position will be located primarily at the Norrie Point Environmental Center in Staatsburg, NY. The major activity of this member will be split between (a) supporting community-science field programs in local fisheries research and estuary monitoring and (b) providing direct programming, electronic media, internet content, and public exhibits about the Hudson River estuary, its natural resources, DEC’s management role, and the importance of public 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 community-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 https://hrnerr.org/eel-monitoring/ (55%); -Design and staff displays for riverfront festivals and other public gatherings (5%) -Participate in all SCA Corps wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (15%) -Assist in leading education programs either at Norrie Point or at local schools (15%) -Maintain education displays (fish tank, turtle tank, etc..) at Norrie Point Environmental Center as well as organizing, cleaning, and stowing equipment when not in use (10%) Goal 1: Coordinate community science eel sampling involving hundreds of volunteers at 10 sampling sites through on-site volunteer trainings, educational programs, and electronic communication. Goal 2: Provide education programs for 1,000 students on the Hudson River estuary and the life in the Hudson. Goal 3: Participate in various professional development activities, through SCA/Americorps and others.

 

Marginal Duties 

Other duties as assigned

 

Required Qualifications 

• While a fleet car is available for field work and other work-related duties, this position does require personal commuting to DEC facilities in both New Paltz, NY and Staatsburg, NY.
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record of 3+ years is required.
• Creative and scientific writing skills
• Comfortable speaking with large groups of people (varying audiences)
• Approachable and helpful attitude to the general public
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Familiarity with and interest in the Hudson River Valley, fish and macro invertebrate identification skills, knowledge of common introduced species in the Hudson Valley.
• Experience teaching in classroom and outdoor settings

 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

BA/BS, with course work in education, natural resources, or environmental studies preferred but not required

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

 

Compensation  

• Amount of