Program Benefits

• Relocation Allowance
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Living Allowance
• Choice of Education Award ($6,895) or End of Service Stipend
• $2,125 monthly rental stipend (not to exceed)
• $1000 professional development funds
• $1562 travel allowance
• Training
• Public Land Corps Federal Hiring Authority
• PTO, Sick days, and Holidays

National Environmental Education Foundation

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is the nation’s leading organization in lifelong environmental learning, creating opportunities for people to experience and learn about the environment in ways that improve their lives and the health of the planet. Congressionally chartered in 1990 as a 501c3 nonprofit to complement the work of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NEEF is a non-partisan, non-advocacy organization working to make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives.

Position Description

Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE) and the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) will plan and implement a new phenological monitoring program, Seasonal Change: Monitoring the NYC Environment for Climate Change. The goal of the proposed program is to activate and empower local youth as stewards and 21st century problem solvers. Through implementation of the Greening STEM model, students will participate in citizen science and engage with resource management issues. Though GATE is one of the most visited parks in the country, access to the park is inequitable across socio-economic and racial lines. The proposed program will allow GATE and JBRPC to build on existing efforts to close this gap by bringing underserved students from three CCLC sites into the park and empowering them to engage with the park as a living laboratory. By investigating the impacts of phenological change with park staff, carrying out several in-park investigations, collaboratively analyzing data, and constructing possible solutions, students will practice several critical STEM skills. Their contributions will leave a lasting impact on the park by collecting and analyzing critical data that can help inform future management decisions. GATE and JBRPC will continue partnerships with three 21stCCLC sites and serve a range of grade levels, including fourth and fifth graders at PS 38, Middle School students and high school students at Brooklyn Collegiate. PS 38 is a CCLC-funded community school, serving majority BIPOC and Hispanic students. Brooklyn Collegiate Preparatory High School serves majority BIPOC students, and close to 90% of the students are economically disadvantaged. VISTA will work closely with the education supervisory park ranger at GATE, the education team at JBRPC, and 21stCCLC partners to research, develop and implement program plans that align with Next Generation Science Standards, Greening STEM principles, and relevant resource concerns significant to GATE.

Member Duties

• Develop and implement programming for NPS-21stCCLC Grant Program and other Gateway National Recreation Area education programs.
• Work with staff in the preparation and submission of grant proposals to secure future funding to continue program beyond the initial grant as needed. Work to obtain in-kind program support.
• Work on digital community engagement efforts to keep community members informed on program activities and accomplishments. Development(s) with project partners and the local community.
• Serve as liaison with NPS unit while conducting outreach to 21st CCLC programs and local K-12 schools and student groups (after-school programs, out-of-school programs, clubs, etc.).
• Weekly monitor the pollinator garden and do upkeep as needed
• Gather ideas and opportunities for growth.
• Track Performance Measures and submit quarterly and final progress reports inclusive of qualitative and quantitative data for all areas of work

Required Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment
• Experience working both with a team and independently
• Strong drive to make and see change in your community!
• Ability to pass a federal background check

Preferred Skills

• Background working with K-12 aged children
• Background in environmental programming

Required Experience

• High School Diploma/GED

Preferred Experience

• Some college/bachelor's degree