New York Corps- Community Engagement Assistant
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Position SummaryScenic Hudson's mission is to sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley's inspirational beauty and health for generations to come. We bring together people, businesses and government to protect the river and natural resources that are the engines of the valley's local economies. Started in 1963 by a handful of citizens who cherished the simple pleasures of the outdoors along the Hudson, Scenic Hudson is credited with launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today, in the face of new challenges and the effects of climate change, we are dedicated to making the Hudson Valley a great place to live, work and play. Our focus is on strengthening and maximizing benefits all can enjoy from the region's great assets-beautiful open spaces, working farms, and vibrant cities and town centers. www.scenichudson.org Scenic Hudson's River Cities Program starts with the premise that an equitable, sustainable, healthy, and livable Hudson Valley must include cities that reflect the voices and visions of their residents. Through community-based planning, environmental education, and community engagement, the River Cities Program promotes resilient urban landscapes that further environmental justice and urban greening in the cities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Kingston. We organize our work around key natural assets in cities, the Hudson River, community resources, and community coalitions to connect, teach and inspire residents to protect the environment, become civically engaged, and co-create resilient urban open space networks. Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssist in outreach and relationship building with residents and community organizations to further Scenic Hudson's park planning, environmental education, and park programming initiatives. This may include participation in community events on evenings and weekends (30%) •Coordinate, promote, and conduct community events including the spring Fall Kill and Quassaick AquaBlitz (an iNaturalist supported bioblitz), and Let's Bike Hudson Valley programming. Provide additional support for Scenic Hudson's American eel (Anguilla rostrata) monitoring program, and events happening at Pershing Avenue Farm in Poughkeepsie or the Sanctuary Healing Garden at Crystal Lake in Newburgh. (25%) Work with partners in Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Kingston to coordinate implementation of field trips and programs. This may include in person field trips to Scenic Hudson regional parks, urban parks and community events (15%) •Assist in implementation of public recreational, educational, and volunteer events both virtually and in person at Scenic Hudson preserves. Includes evening and weekend work. (15%) •Participate in all required SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (15%)Marginal DutiesGoal 1: Coordinate and implement community outreach efforts including programming to activate public space and events to promote civic engagement. Goal 2: Coordinate, promote, and conduct public programming and events in the River Cities, and assist Scenic Hudson staff in the implementation of community outreach and planning, and volunteer programming, all in the service of our urban greening and open space activation work. Goal 3: Connect to and build relationships with community members, local institutions and organizations in the River Cities to ensure Scenic Hudson is reaching underrepresented demographics.Required QualificationsDesire to engage with youth and community members in environmental education and civic engagement projects •College degree in urban studies, urban planning, education, environmental science or related field. Equivalent knowledge and experience acquired through professional experience accepted. •Previous experience working in outdoor education, community organizing, environmental education and/or with children/students/families preferred.Preferred QualificationsFlexible with an ever changing work schedule. Occasionally including weekend, evening and early hours •Comfortable working in an outdoor setting •Enjoy working with students grades K-12 •Comfortable interacting with the public in structured and unstructured settings •Must be well-organized, possess strong interpersonal communication skills, be detail oriented, and supportive of Scenic Hudson's mission Knowledge and commitment to environmental and social justice •Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite-Word, Excel, Publisher •Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation •Curriculum development and educational planning experience- a plus •Experience with Adobe suite-InDesign, Photoshop- a plus •Ability to speak Spanish - a plusAgeAdults 18 or olderCompensationAmount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member's term of service: $7,395 Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $400/week, $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance Childcare coverage (if applicable): 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. Describe professional, personal, or service-related member development activities and training to be provided for member: AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation SCA Risk Management Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace SCA Driver's Safety Training Mental Health First Aid Training Wilderness First Aid & CPR Environmental Education Curriculum Environmental Leadership Institute New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events Hudson River Ecology Leave No Trace Trainer Course Professional Development & Job Readiness Living AccommodationsMember will be responsible for finding their own housingAdditional BenefitsFirst Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid Training