Park Recreation Activities Specialist - Hempstead Lake; NY HELPS

Duties Description

Under the direction of the Environmental Educator 1, the Park Recreation Activities Specialist will develop environmental programming & public events for school groups and public audiences. In addition, they will provide impromptu pop-up programs at park facilities and supervise seasonal staff. This role will also require supporting environmental education programs at other parks in the region and park-wide/region-wide recreation events.

• Conduct educational programs by preparing and teaching lessons; plan, prepare, and build displays, exhibits, and other teaching aids; assist in research, writing, and producing educational and promotional materials.
• Provide educational programs for a wide range of ages and groups; create content for education and outreach using social media platforms and audio‑visual equipment; evaluate the effectiveness of programs and revise and modify content in response to program needs, changes, deficiencies, and the needs of particular groups.
• Make partnerships and engage the local community, schools, and special interest groups.
• Assist in the planning and organization of quarterly program schedules for the public; coordinate and schedule public and private education program schedules.
• Care for and maintain 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 small reptiles and aquarium maintenance.
• Assist higher‑level Environmental Education/Interpretation and Recreation staff by preparing reports, conducting training, supervising seasonal staff and interns as assigned, training staff/volunteers in the care of exhibits, equipment, and animals, and performing other support activities.
• Perform basic maintenance of buildings & grounds, including but not limited to litter control, grounds upkeep and landscaping, snow and ice control, restroom facilities, pollinator garden, composting, and other gardens; assist with inspections of buildings and grounds for safety hazards, correct problems where possible, and make requests for appropriate skilled‑trade assistance when needed; interact with and help Resiliency Center patrons, answer phone calls, assist in display upkeep, assist with revenue, and prepare reports as required.
• Other related duties as required.

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: two years of experience in an organized recreation program, six months of which must have been supervisory.

Current NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Employees only, with at least one year of permanent or contingent‑permanent qualifying service as a Park Recreation Activities Specialist.

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be 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.

• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license as a term and condition of employment.
• Daytime, weekend, holiday, and evening work is required.
• This role may also require coordinating and supporting environmental educational programs at other parks in the Long Island region.
• Appointees who work in Nassau County will receive an additional $4,000 annual downstate adjustment.

Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:

• Paid Time Off
  • CSEA: 44 days – 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, 5 personal leave days, and 13 holidays.
• 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 Leave.

Learn more about our benefits for permanent state employees, visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..