Hudson River Educator
Position: Environmental Educator
Location: Saugerties, NY
Start Date: May 1, 2024
Time Commitment: Part-time May- June; Wednesday nights June through August; 2-3 days Sept & Oct.
Arm-of-the-Sea is seeking a passionate Hudson River Educator to create and facilitate hands-on experiences that engage diverse age groups with the Hudson River Estuary and Esopus Creek. These formal and informal programs will take place in Saugerties, NY, primarily at Arm-of-the-Sea’s Tidewater Center on the tidal Esopus. The Tidewater Center is being developed on the former site of a 19th century paper mill; its mission is to tell the multi-layered stories of the place. This part-time environmental educator position is funded by a multi-year grant from the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program.
Summer 2024 programs at the Tidewater Center will include a series of nine “Waterfront Wednesdays” (WFW). These free community events are designed to draw area residents and summer visitors to the Tidewater Center. Activities include participatory arts, performances, guest presentations, and WINDOW ON ESOPUS CREEK – a covered booth where environmental educators with fish tanks and microscopes offer insights into the flora and fauna of the Estuary. A new addition this summer will be a large watershed model which will provide hands-on learning about stream dynamics and water quality. This is the first step towards creating a permanent Water Works Playground for the site.
Arm-of-the-Sea will also host a 3-night run of a new show delving into the story of the Mills of Saugerties, as its 22nd Esopus Creek Puppet Suite summer spectacle. Pre-show activities, including WINDOW ON ESOPUS CREEK will be offered those 3 nights, as well.
On October 10th, Arm-of-the-Sea will partner with the Saugerties Lighthouse to host school groups at the Lighthouse as part of the DEC’s annual Day in the Life of the Hudson River.
Job Description
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Environmental Educator will plan, lead, and execute activities for adults, youth and children at the nine Waterfront Wednesdays plus at three performances of the ESOPUS CREEK PUPPET SUITE. (August 23-25) and at the “Day in the Life” event in October. The Educator will be the public face for this program. This position is part-time, with the work focused from June through August, plus the October “Day-in-the-Life” event. The Educator must be present during Waterfront Wednesday events from 5pm-8:30pm. These events run June 19th through August 14rd.
About Arm-of-the-Sea Theater
Arm of the Sea Theater is an arts organization based in Saugerties, NY. Our mission is to create theater that sparks wonder, engenders joy, offers insight, and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards. For 42 years we’ve been presenting a unique form of mask and puppet theatre to annual audiences of 8,000+ people at cultural centers, festivals, schools and other venues throughout eastern New York and adjacent states.
It is an exciting time for Arm-of-the-Sea, and a time of growth for the Theater. We are spearheading a waterfront revitalization project in Saugerties that is transforming the ruins of a 19th century mill into a cultural park. In 2021, we opened an outdoor performance space on site. Over the next several years, Arm-of-the-Sea will expand the reach of its theatrical program by running resident and touring companies, by offering Hudson River Education including an arts & science camp, and by hosting other performers.
As an Arm-of-the-Sea team member, you can look forward to interesting and challenging work. This will entail building strong relationships with fellow staff and volunteers, and helping realize a successful and vibrant cultural park, where people of all ages can open their hearts through art and play.
Responsibilities
• Working with the Managing Director, define Hudson River Education activities for Waterfront Wednesdays and other events.
• Execute those activities, including set-up, running activities, and coordinating volunteers.
• Working with the Managing Director, specify, procure, and organize equipment and supplies for these activities, as well as other equipment required for participation in the “Day in the Life of the Hudson River” event.
• Organize and execute Arm-of-the-Sea’s participation in the “Day in the Life” event, including soliciting school groups, communicating with teachers, coordinating school bus arrival, managing volunteers, leading activities, and managing groups that are participating.
• Support and maintain the vision, mission, priorities and guiding principles of Arm-of-the-Sea.
• Leverage existing networks and develop new professional contacts for the benefit of Arm-of-the-Sea.
Qualifications
• Demonstrated ability to engage the public with enthusiasm.
• At least two years of experience in Environmental Education and/or public school teaching.
• Availability to work at Waterfront Wednesdays and at the Day in the Life event.
• Be a self-starter who takes initiative and collaborates well with all levels of staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, communication, and relationship building skills.
• Physically able to set up equipment, and carry out seine netting and other aquatic collection activities.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Availability
• Available on a “need to” basis to collect fish and other creatures for WINDOW ON ESOPUS CREEK
• Nine successive Wednesday evenings 5-8:30pm from June 19 through August 14.
• Aug. 23, 24, & 25 for 2 hours - time TBD
• October 10th - the Day in the Life of the Hudson River, plus 2-3 days of planning and wrap-up.
Compensation
• $30/hour
• Estimated 70 hours of employment in 2024
Arm-of-the-Sea is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All of our employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the State of New York.
To apply, please submit a cover letter demonstrating your interest in the position and your relevant experience.
Also include a current resume, and contact information for three professional references.
Email these materials to Patrick Wadden, Managing Director. patrickw@armofthesea.org
No telephone calls please.
Arm-of-the-Sea Productions, Inc is a non-profit, 501( c ) 3 organization.
Our most recent financial reports are available at guidestar.org
