
Hudson Valley Corps- Urban Avian Educator
Student Conservation AssociationJob Details
Job Description
Position Summary
Audubon’s New York City Youth Education programs focus on increasing people's knowledge and awareness about birds, other wildlife, and the natural world;
- guides them to change their behaviors and attitudes to be more active
participants in our conservation work saving birds and protecting habitat; and teaches new problem-solving skills needed to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
Location
New York, NY
- Schedule
January 26, 2026 - November 23, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Independently teach Audubon’s For the Birds! (FTB!) and LARK curriculum at NYC public schools and other unique program sites; coordinate and lead school field trips & garden projects in NYC Parks. • Create bird conservation focused
education materials for classrooms that include clear learning objectives for:
students, sufficient background information for teachers, impactful assessment opportunities, and engaging activities capable of nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship. • Maintain comprehensive records of program metrics and communications for quarterly program reports. • Represent Audubon at local
and regional events tabling and outreach events • Participate in various Audubon New York meetings, trainings, and programs throughout the year. • Other duties assigned by Program Manager. Goal 1:Independently teach For the Birds! and LARK curriculum at elementary, middle, and high schools and other program sites;
assist with field trips, habitat projects and other outdoor activities Goal 2:
- Create at least two new bird conservation focused lessons that include clear
learning objectives for students, sufficient background information for teachers, impactful assessment opportunities, and engaging activities capable of nurturing environmental awareness and stewardship; field test new lessons. Goal 3: Confidently I.D. local birds of NYC; independently lead basic bird I.D. walks
in NYC Parks.
Marginal Duties
Required Qualifications:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Outdoor education, environmental science, formal education, Environmental Interpretation, Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, or related field. • Proven
experience working with and/or managing volunteers and/or interns also required.:
- Hands-on experience working in an educational setting with students of
different ages and/or educators, and experience facilitating training in groups.
- Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental science, as well
as knowledge of bird biology, ecology, and identification. • Must be able to teach independently in NYC schools and other unique program sites. • Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated organizational and time-management skills are a must. • Self-motivated, detailed-oriented with the
ability to work both independently and as part of a team including the ability to work with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities. •
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, to think
critically, to identify problems and take appropriate action, and to maintain organization in a fast-paced environment. • Ability to make decisions requiring good judgment and complete knowledge of subject matter, including task sequencing and office administration procedures. • Availability to work occasional weekend and evening hours as required. Some programs and outreach
events will require working outside of core (9-5pm) work hours. • Must be able to walk major pathways and trails of regional natural areas with students, including on uneven terrain. • Commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society; Knowledge of and commitment to conservation of birds
and other wildlife and their habitats. • Must be comfortable using all forms of NYC public transportation; ability to travel within and outside NYC. Must be able to teach independently in NYC schools and other unique program sites
- Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental science, as well as
knowledge of bird biology, ecology, and identification.
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum of 1-years of experience working in the field of formal and/or informal education; experience teaching in a formal classroom setting is preferred.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Member will be responsible for finding their own housing within commuting distance of the Audubon Office in Manhattan, NY
Compensation:
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service in 2025: $7,395.00; 2026 Amount TBD Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week, and $1,100/month housing allowance for positions located in NYC
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
- Recommended
Additional Benefits
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
AmeriCorps and SCA Training
SCA Risk Management
Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
Mental Health First Aid Training
Wilderness First Aid & CPR
Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum
Environmental Leadership Institute
New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
Hudson River Ecology
Leave No Trace Level I Certification
Professional Development & Job Readiness
Defensive Drive Training
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
