Environmental Education Assistant (NY HELPS)

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).*

To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: One year of experience in environmental education programs OR one year of college study with specialization in natural science, natural resources, or environmental education.

* For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a permanent non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

If verifiable, we will accept and prorate appropriate part-time and volunteer experience.

Duties Description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Environmental Educator 2 and Environmental Educator 1, the Environmental Education Assistant will assist with educational programming for adults, children, school groups, camp groups, and scout groups at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve as well as other State Parks in the Long Island Region. They will also keep detailed records and assist with booking programs.

Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Conduct environmental education programs by leading interpretive walks, preparing and teaching lessons, and presenting audio-visual programs. Plan, prepare and create displays, exhibits and other teaching aids.
• Assist in researching, writing, and producing educational and promotional materials using social media.
• Make arrangements for programs by suggesting program content, scheduling programs, registering participants, and preparing materials and teaching aids.
• Clean, repair and maintain facilities, equipment and exhibits.
• Assist higher level Environmental Education/Interpretation and Recreation staff by preparing reports, conducting training, supervising seasonal staff and interns as assigned, and performing other support activities.
• Keep detailed records and assist with organizing volunteer and internship programs.
• Care and maintenance of exhibit animals: ensure all housing is kept clean and that the requirements necessary for the health of the animals are met. Handling of animals will be required including Screech Owls, turtles, snakes and walking sticks.
• Interact with Connetquot River State Park Preserve patrons and assist in display upkeep.
• Other related duties as required.

Additional Comments

OPERATING NEEDS:
• Selected candidate must possess and maintain a New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License by date of appointment and maintain the license as a term and condition of employment.
• Ability to read and understand written and/or verbal material and instructions, ability to do simple math such as add, subtract, multiply and divide, ability to work with Excel, Power Point, MS Word, Access and Canva.
• Ability to speak in front of groups and care for small animals.
• The appointee will be expected to work weekends, various shifts, holidays, and special events as required to provide operational coverage.

Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:
Paid Time Off: 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development

Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost

Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental / Family Leave

The posted hiring rate is the sum of the statutory hiring rate for PS&T Grade 8 ($37,448) and the Downstate Adjustment ($3,400) The posted job rate is the sum of the statutory job rate ($48,294) and the Downstate Adjustment ($3,400)

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Closing Date/Time: 07/12/24

40,848

Bohemia, New York United States View Map