STEM High School Environmental Educator at Natural Areas Conservancy, Inc.

New York, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 Jun, 26

Salary

26.0

Posted On

12 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Program Coordination, Environmental Education, Ecological Research, Curriculum Delivery, Guest Coordination, Mentoring, Scientific Method, Public Speaking, Data Collection, Data Entry, Program Evaluation, Conflict Resolution, Classroom Management, Field Work, Organizational Skills, Science Communication

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY STEM High School Environmental Educator Forest Park, Queens OR the Greenbelt, Staten Island Job Announcement ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW Through its visionary leadership and high-impact staff, the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) champions urban natural areas in New York City and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy. We increase the health and resilience of urban forests and wetlands, catalyze connections between people and nature, and strengthen the environmental workforce. Started in 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy is the first park conservancy dedicated exclusively to New York City’s natural areas–20,000 acres across all five boroughs. Since 2019, we have also worked on a national scale, leading a network of representatives from cities across the U.S. to strengthen research, information sharing, and communication efforts to enhance the field of urban forest management. We want all people to feel welcomed, inspired by, and connected to the natural world. About the NAC Student Urban Nature High School Program The NAC hosts a paid urban ecology internship program for local high school students using the framework of science identity to promote environmental stewardship among NYC youth. Over six weeks, high school interns become familiar with flora and fauna identification, field ecology, natural areas management, stewardship, and the scientific method through mentored monitoring and restoration projects. Interns also participate in professional development training in public speaking, networking, and leadership. The STEM High School Environmental Educator position will support the Internship Community Coordinator with leading the day-to-day logistics of the internship program at the Staten Island program location. This role includes following the provided environmental education curriculum, leading daily programming, coordinating guest visits with partner organizations, serving as the main point of contact for interns who need assistance in the field, supporting interns in understanding scientific concepts, and mentoring interns as they develop and carry out their research projects. Ideal candidates will have experience in program coordination, environmental education, and urban ecological research. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the Internship Community Coordinator, the STEM High School Environmental Educator will be responsible for: * Participating in a paid summer orientation and CPR certification during the first week of employment (Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2), held at both our Manhattan and Queens offices. * Preparing for and leading high school programming in Staten Island, which includes facilitating activities and opportunities focused on urban ecology, experiential science learning, and college/career readiness, all centered around science identity * Liaising with NAC program partners at the Greenbelt to strengthen program efforts while building rapport with interns and encouraging individual growth * Supervising and guiding interns throughout the summer program through environmental research, field trips, and remote lessons * Documenting activities and the progression of the program through photos and videos to then share with NAC Communications * Tracking, dispersing, and collecting program equipment * Providing administrative support (intern and program documentation, approving intern hours, scheduling events and remote days, tracking attendance, etc.) * Assisting the Internship Community Coordinator with program evaluation through pre-surveys, post-surveys, and reviewing participant feedback * Assisting in data collection, data entry, analysis, and quality control as a mentor to the interns * Preparing for and facilitating intern science communication events, such as public presentations and the Student Research Symposium REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS * A current or former student from a CUNY institution * This position is open to candidates with US work authorization * Interest in studying and improving local ecosystems * Educational program coordination experience * Field data collection experience within forests, wetlands and/or trail networks * Ability to maintain a positive, collaborative attitude during hot (and probably buggy) days outdoors in variable weather conditions * Strong science communication skills * Excellent organizational, analytical, and written communication skills * Ability to closely follow directions and adhere closely to field data collection protocols * Physically able to hike trails and carry up to 40 lbs * Ability to trave and work independently PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS * Familiarity with the Greenbelt in Staten Island * Classroom management and conflict resolution * Mentorship experience * Experience working with high school-aged students * Research project design experience JOB LOCATION The position is approximately 80% field work and 20% office work. The STEM High School Environmental Educator will report primarily in the field to Forest Park, Queens [https://www.google.com/maps/place/My+Buddy+Statue/@40.7013314,-73.8464418,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89c260a9e1492e53:0xe6d043f125bd8c27!8m2!3d40.7013274!4d-73.8415709!16s%2Fg%2F11_psjwwj?entry=ttu] OR the Greenbelt Nature Center [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Greenbelt+Nature+Center/@40.5884551,-74.1417416,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89c24c0e2186d5bf:0xead8a3bf1a9ce305!8m2!3d40.5884511!4d-74.1391667!16zL20vMDI3c2Y3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDUwNy4wIKXMDSoJLDEwMjExNDUzSAFQAw%3D%3D] and from office locations in Manhattan and Queens. While working from home, access to a computer and stable internet connection is required. There will also be the opportunity to visit off-site locations outside of Forest Park and the Greenbelt during weekly field trips and/or stewardship events. DURATION 8 weeks, 35 hours per week, June 29 through August 21, 2026 COMPENSATION/BENEFITS Pay: $26 per hour. This is a seasonal position and is not eligible for company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, or 401(k) benefits. Sick/safe leave will accrue in accordance with company policy. APPLICATION To apply for the STEM High School Environmental Educator role at the Natural Areas Conservancy, apply online at our Career Center. [https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=041b3c38-3c62-4c66-97d0-c604ec5e0b27&ccId=19000101_000001⟨=en_US] In this application, you will include your resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts from your CUNY institution in the format listed below. You may be asked to provide the contact information of two references later during the interview process. Please upload all materials as PDF files, with each labeled as follows: A. Cover letter → 2026_last name_first initial_CL (i.e. ‘2026_Jones_J_CL.pdf’); B. Resume → 2026_ last name_first initial_R (i.e. ‘2026Jones_J_R.pdf’); C. Unofficial transcript → 2026_ last name_first initial_UOT (i.e. ‘2026_Jones_J_UOT.pdf’) Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the closing date of 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 8. Please address any questions to workforce@naturalareasnyc.org [workforce@naturalareasnyc.org]. SECTIONS OF ONLINE APPLICATION * Personal Information * Uploading resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript * Eligibility and skills assessment questions * Voluntary self ID * Review, Self-Attest, and Submit

Responsibilities

This role supports the Internship Community Coordinator by leading daily logistics and environmental education programming for a high school internship program in Staten Island, focusing on urban ecology and college/career readiness. Responsibilities include facilitating curriculum activities, supervising interns during research and field trips, coordinating guest visits, and providing administrative support for program documentation and evaluation.