Environmental Educator - Wilson Center Funded

Employer Name: Hudson River Park Trust

Employer Website: www.hudsonriverpark.org

Compensation: $19.00/hour

Duration of Internship: 280 hour commitment (Full-time, 35 hrs/week for 8 weeks)

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to all registered Pace students (undergraduate, graduate and international students)  that are graduating in Dec. 2024 OR later.

Address: 353 West St, Pier 40 New York, NY 10014

Modality: In-person

About the Employer: Hudson River Park is a 550-acre park and estuarine sanctuary spanning four miles along the west side of Manhattan, from Chambers St. to W 59 St. The largest open space to undergo construction in Manhattan since the completion of Central Park, Hudson River Park has transformed four miles of formerly industrial waterfront into a beloved, urban recreational paradise. The Park's River Project is a small and passionate team dedicated to growing awareness for the Hudson River Estuary by conducting hands-on environmental education, community research and park-wide sustainability initiatives.

Each year, the Park’s River Project serves tens of thousands of New Yorkers through dynamic education and stewardship programs. The Educator will work as part of a team to lead hands-on STEM programming for NYC students and the general public at various Park sites including the Wetlab aquarium, Pier 57 Discovery Tank and Gansevoort Peninsula. In addition, Educators will support park research and monitoring projects focused on oyster restoration, marine debris and fish population dynamics. Educators will also gain exposure to animal husbandry through the maintenance of fish tanks and local wildlife species through work in the Wetlab aquarium.

Position Overview: Educators will be a part of the Park’s River Project team, which is the science and education department within Hudson River Park Trust, and work alongside other Trust full time and seasonal staff. As mentioned above, Educators will primarily teach hands-on environmental education field trip and public drop-in programs that reach thousands of people each year. As part of their ongoing tasks, Educators will support Park research as needed and be engaged in the maintenance of the Wetlab aquarium which houses local fish species. New this year, the Park is also excited to debut programming at Gansevoort Peninsula, Pier 97 and Pier 26 Science Playground. Educators will have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting season with new facilities opening and programming happening for the first time in Hudson River Park. Additionally, educators will have the opportunity to provide feedback on programming and curriculum as part of their overall season experience.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Environmental Education:
• Teach the Park’s environmental education programs through school and summer camp field trips centered on Hudson River wildlife, shoreline ecology, plankton microscopy and more
• Implement public education programs at both indoor and outdoor locations throughout the Park, including catch & release fishing workshops, guided tours and open hours at the Wetlab aquarium and Pier 57 Discovery Tank
• Teach catch-and-release fishing and learn how to handle fishing equipment, live fish and bait
• Develop educational resources to be used in programming, and maintain various department resources, such as fishing poles and kids crafts
Wildlife & Park Research:
• Monitor and maintain fish tanks, filtration equipment and aquaria signage
• Provide proper care and husbandry to fish and other animals in tanks
• Demonstrate proper handling of animals to students and members of the public
• Support Park field science staff conducting research focused on oyster restoration, fish ecology and marine debris

Preferred Skills:
• Coursework focused on marine, environmental science or education is preferred
• Experience working with children or the public is preferred
• Strong interest in teaching diverse audiences a variety of environmental themes
• Comfort interacting with members of the public in a professional manner
• Willingness to get muddy, handle live animals, work outside in all weather conditions and practice catch and release fishing
• A valid driver's license or ability to ride a bicycle is preferred
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination status is no longer required; however, Hudson River Park Trust does encourage staff to remain current on updated vaccines as recommended by NYC DOH

The Ideal Candidate is: Hudson River Park seeks an environmental educator that is an enthusiastic learner and a great team-player. We look for staff that enjoy working outdoors and have a dedicated work ethic. Ideally, this individual will have some prior experience working with children or the public or prior knowledge of environmental and marine science. Experience interacting with members of the public in a friendly and professional manner is a plus. Overall, we seek team members that have a flexible and adaptive mindset with the ability to multitask given the dynamic environment of a high-traffic urban public park. We have an exciting season coming up and we would be thrilled to welcome someone from Pace onto our team!

**This internship is funded by the Helene & Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University, the intern hired for this position will make a full-time commitment for 8 weeks, working no more than 35 hours each week, a total of 280 hours*