Environmental Education Assistant (2 Positions)

The State of New York is hiring two Environmental Education Assistants in Syracuse, NY. The role includes mentoring interns, organizing family-friendly events, assisting with public education, and developing programs for underserved audiences. Responsibilities also involve creating recreational events, conducting stewardship activities, and collaborating with community organizations. Candidates should have experience in environmental education or relevant college studies. This is a seasonal position expected to last until November 2026.
The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description Two Environmental Education Assistants will work out of the regional office in Syracuse and the Onondaga Lake Visitor Center (OLVC). Job Duties: •OLVC ProgrammingMentor interns from local universities to form a “teaching lab” at OLVCStaff facility with CNY Environmental Education staff part-time May – September work with CNY Environmental Education staff to gauge interest in the use of OLVC and determining its programming capacity and audience interestsPartner with DEC programs to offer events focused on DEC priorities, such as sustainable living, climate resiliency, flooding impacts for homeowners, and wildlife interactionsHost inclusive family-friendly fishing days in April - September around Onondaga LakeAssist CNY Environmental Education staff in organizing and running the Annual Get Outdoors & Get Together Day event•Salmon River Hatchery Visitor Center programmingAssist with public education and school groups during busy egg collection seasons (September through October)Offer tours on as-needed basis to organized groupsAssist with annual Veterans Fly Fishing Weekend in early November•Assist CNY Environmental Education staff with programming for underserved audiences, including for new Americans, refugees, veterans, and accessibility groups•Represent DEC at career events to build pathways for environmental careers•Support CNY Environmental Educators by developing program materials•Occasionally support CNY Environmental Education staff with environmental education programming in Region 8 In addition, EEAs will: •Create or expand programs, such as: Create accessible recreation events with community partners such CNY Adaptive Sports, TRAID (Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities) on the Trails, Special Olympics, and Onondaga Lake Park;Create citizen science programming around Onondaga Lake, utilizing tools like iNaturalist, iMapInvasives, and Day in the Life activities;Build a partner relationship with Skanonh Center to assess the feasibility of coordinating school programming at both OLVC and Skanonh Center;Conduct stewardship and restoration activities such as shoreline cleanups and invasive species monitoring, tying in with current regional iMapInvasives and Finger Lakes PRISM activities and partners like Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps; andOnce trained, work with EE1 to expand educator professional development workshops, like Project Learning Tree, WILD, and WET•Partner with community organizations, like Onondaga Earth Corps, to offer career pathway opportunities with various DEC programs.




The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications one year of experience in environmental education programs; or one year of college study with specialization in natural science, natural resources, or environmental education.




Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments This is a seasonal, hourly appointment with an anticipated end date of 11/30/2026. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date. Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.Must be able to work in remote areas.Travel may be required.Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required.Weekends and holidays may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).




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