Position Summary

The mission of the NYSDEC Division of Marine Resources is to manage and maintain the state's living marine, estuarine and anadromous resources, and to protect and enhance the habitat upon which these resources depend, in order to assure that self-sustaining populations of these resources are available for future generations. The outreach steward will play a vital role in sharing information about Hudson River fisheries by developing and delivering engaging educational content to the public along the 153-mile Hudson River watershed, from New York City to Albany and occasionally the marine district. This position focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of the many projects conducted by the Hudson River Fisheries Unit, highlighting key species such as striped bass, river herring, American eel, blue crabs, Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, and the management of invasives species like grass carp and round goby. In addition, the steward will contribute to the management of important recreational and commercial species through promoting best fish handling practices, communicating with the public about current regulations and management actions, and increasing participation in the Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program. The steward will also assist with fisheries and educational projects within the larger Hudson River Estuary Program, and gain field experience helping out with fisheries surveys and programs.

Location

New Paltz, NY

Schedule

January 26, 2026 - November 23, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Visit Hudson River boat launches, fishing access sites, and community events to share outreach materials with anglers, answer questions, and encourage participation in the NYSDEC Cooperative Angler Program. Distribute signs to access locations and outreach information to bait shops. (50%) • Develop educational brochures, fact sheets, social media posts, and other educational materials to inform the public about recreational fishing and fisheries conservation. Outreach materials will be shared at public-facing events (20%) • Assist the Hudson River Fisheries Unit with field surveys, gear maintenance, and Cooperative Angler Program data entry following QAQC protocols (15%) • Participate in SCA trainings, service projects, and other member development events (15%) Goal 1: Engage community members: speak with anglers and members of the public at Hudson River access sites, actively encourage public participation in the NYSDEC Cooperative Angler Program, educating anglers about the importance of safe handling practices and data collection in support of sustainable fisheries management. Goal 2: : Develop and share outreach materials at educational and community events during the week and on weekends to present information about best fishing practices, current Hudson River management actions/regulations, Hudson River fisheries research projects, and ecological populations of the Hudson River Goal 3: Assist with Hudson River Fisheries sampling 1-2x/week to learn about migratory fish sampling, survey preparation, and data collection. Goal 4: Assist with larger scientific educational efforts such as Science on the River, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River, and class electrofishing for eels with local schools.

Marginal Duties

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• At a minimum, members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.
• Ability to lift/ pull 50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record of 3+ years
• Experience teaching in classroom and outdoor settings
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to work in an outdoor setting with varying terrain and in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable in and around the water, and boats
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Desire to learn more about fisheries management and conservation
• Comfortable working independently and on weekends and traveling frequently throughout the 153-mile Hudson River watershed
• Ideal candidate would be willing to speak with and engage the public in addition to being creative and organized.
• Would possess the desire to build knowledge of new topics and issues and willingness to share with others

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS, with course work in education, natural resources, or environmental studies preferred
• Experience interacting with the public and enjoyment of the outdoors desirable.
• Understanding of Hudson River ecology, including knowledge of local fish species, diadromous fish migration, and recreational fishing preferred
• Familiarity with Hudson River fish species, recreational angling, and current topics related to management issues

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Member will be responsible for finding their own housing within commuting distance to New Paltz, NY

Compensation

• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service in 2025: $7,395.00; 2026 Amount TBD
• Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week
• $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
• AmeriCorps and SCA Training
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum
• Environmental Leadership Institute
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Hudson River Ecology
• Leave No Trace Level I Certification
• Professional Development & Job Readiness
• Defensive Drive Training
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.