Environmental Educator - NY HELPS

Join to apply for the Environmental Educator 2 - NY HELPS role at NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Base pay range: $66,951.00/yr - $85,138.00/yr. The actual salary will be based on your skills and experience. Discuss with your recruiter for more detail.

The Environmental Educator 2 (EE2) is responsible for professional outreach of environmental education to all age ranges and stakeholder groups. One of the main responsibilities is to design effective lessons that allow educators to incorporate environmental education into a complex curriculum mandated by the New York State Education Department. The EE2 must provide lessons to all grade levels and partner with youth organizations, homeschooling communities, museums, nature centers, and other non‑traditional educators.

• Facilitate professional teacher workshops, schedule, organize, and conduct Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) qualifying workshops for teachers, non‑traditional educators, and others in Project WILD, Project WET, and Project Learning Tree throughout the year.
• Coordinate climate change education for the bureau, facilitate communication between centers, regions and offices, and develop and maintain a clearinghouse of climate change literature, curriculum, and resources.
• Expand Region 1 Environmental Education’s digital presence to increase engagement and awareness and offer digital and print advertising and promotion for public programs.
• Maintain partnerships with agencies, universities, and stakeholder groups, actively solicit and accommodate new relationships with NGOs that promote environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and education.
• Coordinate with other staff to develop Cultural Awareness and Indigenous Peoples educational programming at relevant sites.
• Supervise lower level staff and train them for professional‑grade environmental programs.
• Promote large events, develop programs for annual events (First Day Hikes, Take Your Child to Work Day, Get Outdoors Day, etc.), and recruit staff from other parts of DEC to participate.
• Attend and offer programming at fairs or festivals from other groups, such as State Parks, Town Municipalities, and Nature Centers.
• Organize general public programs for outdoor recreation, including hikes, seining programs at beaches, birdwatching, and nature‑based arts and writing.
• Organize scout events, both after‑school and troop meetings.
• Organize public library programs for youth and adults.
• Assist other staff teaching school programs throughout the year and help maintain living and non‑living collections for programs.

• Minimum Qualifications
  :
  Four years of experience in environmental conservation in a professional or technical capacity or professional teaching of environmental education and two years of experience teaching about or interpreting the natural world. An associate degree in a related field substitutes for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree substitutes for four years.
• Non‑competitive Qualifications (NY HELPS):
  Same experience requirements; eligibility for non‑competitive appointment.
• Open Competitive Minimum Qualifications (for 55‑b/55‑c candidates):
  Same experience requirements; must submit Civil Service letter indicating approval for 55‑b/55‑c program.
• Additional Requirements
  :
  Valid driver’s license or ability to meet transportation needs; travel, overtime, overnight travel and telecommuting may be required.

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• Other benefits available

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Training and Education

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. DEC encourages all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions. DEC does not use E‑Verify and does not sponsor employment visas (H‑1B, Self‑Sponsorship, STEM OPT).

Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available and will be discussed at interview.