Education and Recreation Coordinator

~ Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station is a 501(c) non-profit organization, funded through grants and the support of our Members and the Public. ~

We are not associated with any state or federal agencies, or any other non-profit nature organizations. Founded in 1931, Huyck Preserve has been connecting people to nature for over 80 years! We have a long, rich history as part of Rensselaerville and as one of the oldest Biological research stations in the United States. To read more, visit our history page.

The Preserve protects over 2000 acres, including Lake Myosotis, Lincoln Pond, and Hennicke Marsh, and offers a variety of programs from summer education to school groups. Please consider supporting us and becoming a member today - or make a donation! We need your help to continue to protect our open spaces and provide a place where people - especially children - can connect to nature.

Position Overview

The Education and Recreation Coordinator is a full time position part of the Huyck Preserve's year-round staff. The Coordinator oversees the research and education missions of the Preserve, reviews education and recreation programs with an eye for sustainability, and works with the Executive Director to integrate the recreation and education missions with the conservation and research missions of the Huyck Preserve. 

Responsibilities

General Duties:

• Lead the development of education programs, policies and procedures at the Huyck Preserve.
• Programs target primary, secondary or undergraduate students in a range of environmental disciplines, with a focus on integrating the Preserve's research programs into the curriculum.
• Strengthen existing public educational programs and youth offerings for the community, including Nature Study, Natural History Day Programs, and the school field trip program.
• Developing/updating curricula as needed, developing marketing materials/strategies, and supervising support staff.
• Assist in updating and expanding the high school summer Wildlife Ecology Research including involving station and local scientists, developing curricula and marketing materials/strategies, and supervising support staff.
• Oversee and supervise interns from the Student Conservation Association, when they are involved in the education program or research.

Recreation:

• Oversee the guided hike program including identifying hike leaders, leading hikes, and scheduling.
• Oversee the Lake Myosotis Beach Program including acting as Aquatics Director, hiring and scheduling lifeguards, obtaining necessary permits, and making sure the program adheres to all state regulations.
• Develop and implement recreation special events including festivals and recreation fundraising events (e.g. hikes, walks, runs, regatta, etc.).
• Includes identifying vendors and volunteers and spearheading pr/marketing for events.

Administrative:

• Develop new funding avenues, in concert with the Executive Director and Board Committees, to support existing and new educational & recreation programs.
• These initiatives may include proposals to federal and state grant agencies, as well as foundations and other sponsorships.
• Propose and implement revenue generating education and recreation programs for the Field Station, in coordination with the Executive Director and Board Committees.
• Explore funding opportunities to support physical improvements and expanded access to the trail system, beach program, and visitors center.
• Efficiently manage an education and recreation budget developed in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Other:

• Assisting as needed with research related activities such as monitoring efforts.
• Contributing to team effort by performing other duties as required.

Qualifications

• The Education and Recreation Coordinator should be engaging with a passion for the outdoors possessing strong interpersonal and organizational skills and able to work independently and as a member of a team.
• It is important that the Coordinator embrace working with diverse constituencies, thrive in a fast-paced work environment, demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, and be comfortable wearing multiple hats and transition quickly from one to another.
• In addition, with the multiple missions of the Huyck Preserve, the Coordinator needs to be able to galvanize the interest of a variety of potential collaborators and a diverse public community in the education and recreation activities of the Huyck Preserve.
• Master's or Bachelor's Degree with comparable experience, in the natural sciences (e.g. Natural Resources, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Geography, Earth Sciences, Zoology, Environmental Sciences, etc.) or education.

Experience:

• Working with youth, volunteers, and the public.
• Teaching and curriculum development (for field-based learning experiences).
• Conducting ecological research including common research methods, research project development, student mentoring.
• Proposal development and grant writing.
• Training, supervising, scheduling, and overseeing employees.
• Ability to develop and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work unusual schedules and weekends.
• Demonstrated proficiency in plant and animal identification and experience with northeast flora and fauna.
• High-quality oral and written communication skills.

Compensation: $12-14/hr based on experience and qualifications.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume and cover letter responding specifically to the experience and qualifications being sought to: Dawn O'Neal, Executive Director.

Refer to "Huyck Preserve Education and Recreation Position" in the subject line. Formal review of applications is expected to begin by January 31, 2017 and will continue until the position is filled. No phone inquiries please.