New York State Office of Parks
Recreation and Historic Preservation
Saratoga/Capital District - 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
518-584-2000 Fax: 518-584-5694
www.nysparks.com
Schodack Island State Park
1 Schodack Way, PO Box 7
Schodack Landing, NY 12156
518-732-0187
Summer 2016 Park Educator Internship
Supervisors: John Lowe, Park Manager
Position Title: Park Educator
Stipend: $1,000
Duration: 5/15/16 – 8/20/16 - 600 hours total
Location: Schodack Island and Peebles Island State Parks
Internship Objectives:
· To learn how a state park operates, who visits NYS parks, how to work with the public in a state park setting.
· To influence the public in their image of the environment and environmental issues.
· To learn how and why people camp at NYS campgrounds and how park programming can influence campground attendance – EE internship
· To research and develop environmental programs, present programs and evaluate presented programs.
· To enhance Schodack Island and Peebles Island State Parks.
· To connect and partner with individuals, agencies, businesses, and not for profits.
Activities:
- PROGRAMMING – 50% of duties or 16 hours per week
o Currently Scheduled Programs - 10% of duties or 2 hours per week.
o Intern-innovated Programs - 90% of duties or 14 hours per week
§ Provide environmental education on invasive species – EAB, Bittersweet, honeysuckle, etc., birding or other area of knowledge while guiding a nature hike.
§ Work with Audubon Society of Albany to develop bird hikes and observation points in the parks.
§ Work with Park Supervisor at Peebles to enhance current program schedule.
§ Research, develop and implement additional environmental education programs at Schodack Island and Peebles Island State Parks. Subject will be researched and a program written, approved by Site Supervisors, scheduled and delivered as part of Schodack and Peebles summer programs.
§ Assist with confirming vendors for the annual Fall Fest
§ Assist with, and enhance the current Open Mic Nights
§ Oversee showing Saturday night movies at Schodack Island
§ Develop environmental education programs specifically targeted to enhance the camper experience at Schodack Island.
- RESEARCH - 25% of duties or 8 hours per week.
o Work with the park manager to develop a research project using trail cameras, field survey forms, or other technology to establish baseline data for further field studies.
§ Research the Nine Mile Tree, establish a management plan to share this unique landmark with the public.
- PARK PROJECT- 25% of duties or 8 hours per week.
o Develop and implement a personal interest project at Schodack Island State Park.
§ Conduct research on a subject of your choice that pertains directly to the park (i.e. Regional bird species, invasive pests/plants, reemerging animal populations, etc.)
§ Research will include both written and presented parts in final project.
The 2016 Schodack Island and Peebles Island Educator internship program will provide an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to experience State Park environmental education program development and independent research within a fun-filled and exciting atmosphere. The candidate will accrue many hours of experience interfacing with the general public, NY Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation employees as well as volunteers within the parks.
We hope you select Schodack Island and Peebles Island State Parks as your primary internship choice for the 2016 summer! For more information about the program, please contact John Lowe, Park Manager at Or please call the Schodack Island office Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:00 PM at (518) 732-0187.