Seasonal Outreach and Education Steward

~ Offering one of the most stunning views of the Long Island Sound with Connecticut in the distance, Sunken Meadow State Park has a wide range of topography that sustains a variety of flora and fauna. ~

The three miles of beach meets tall, glacier-formed bluffs at the west end of the shoreline. A man-made dam separates the park's brackish creek and marshes from the tidal flats. South of the flats are acres of undeveloped and heavily wooded rolling hills.

Among the most popular picnic parks on Long Island, Sunken Meadow hosts millions of people each year partaking of family and group outings. Pick-up sports are enjoyed on the ball fields and several informal open lawn areas. Swimming here is truly family-oriented in the generally calm waters of the Sound. Many people enjoy the health benefits of measured walks along the ¾ mile boardwalk. Cross country running events are held over the hilly running course. The park is the northern terminus of the Long Island Greenbelt trail for hiking.

Position Overview

The Seasonal Outreach and Education Steward will be hired by NYS Parks as part of the Sunken Meadow Comprehensive Resilience and Restoration Workplan project. This $2.5 million federally-funded project will strengthen the natural park ecosystem and promote long-term resiliency of the park and surrounding area, while also benefiting fish and wildlife. Increasing park visitors’ knowledge and understanding of the unique park ecosystems and restoration efforts of this project is an integral part of this position.

The Steward will work under the supervision and direction of NYS Parks, with guidance provided, as needed, by the Sunken Meadow State Park education and outreach team (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NY Sea Grant), to meet the goals set forth in the project.

This is a full-time seasonal position (May through August), working 35 hours a week from Wednesdays to Sundays. There is a possibility that this position may be available in September and/or October on a part-time basis. Note: housing is not provided and is the responsibility of the candidate.

Responsibilities

The Steward’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Coordination, implementation, and evaluation of volunteer days (native planting, invasive plant removal, etc.).
• Development and implementation of nature walks and interpretative presentations for park patrons.
• Development and implementation of programs for K-12 and college students, highlighting the ecosystem flora and fauna of Sunken Meadow State Park.
• Participation in environmental monitoring (water quality, vegetation, fish, etc.).

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (public speaking). Self-starter/ strong independent worker.
• Comfortable working with a diverse population.
• Applicant must be physically fit and able to work in strenuous conditions (heat, rain, etc.).
• Ability to lift 25 pounds. Valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Love for the outdoors and understanding of the importance of natural resource conservation.
• Experience developing and implementing environmental education programs.
• Experience working in team settings with staff from numerous agencies to work on mutually agreed upon goals.
• Previous biological/ecological fieldwork experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of computer skills needed for layout and design of educational materials.
• Previous Coursework: Education, Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, and/or Marine Science.

Compensation: $11-$14 an hour, depending on experience. This position does not include healthcare benefits or paid leave.