Parks and Recreation Aide 3 (Environmental Education & Animal Care) - Trailside Museums and Zoo

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description This position encompasses both our education and animal care programs at the Trailside Museums and Zoo within the Palisades Region of OPRHP. The Trailside Education Program connects visitors with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, particularly along Bear Mountain and Harriman State Park trails. Our goal is to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for the natural world through informal education, guided tours, public events, and seasonal presentations.

The Trailside Animal Care Program supports education and visitor experience by providing husbandry for local injured and non-releasable wildlife, as well as live fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Animal care assistants feed, maintain, and monitor the health of these animals, many of which have permanent injuries. It is a shared goal of the Animal Care and Education Programs for the live animals at Trailside to serve as ambassadors for their species in our effort to educate our visitors about the natural world and our role as responsible stewards.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Zookeepers, Educators, and staff to enhance visitor experiences through informal teaching moments and formal live animal presentations. This role also involves assisting with seasonal public programs, special events, guided tours, and volunteer projects, including restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and general facility upkeep.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Maintaining accurate animal care record keeping in the form of notes, feed charts, and recording medication information.
• Preparing diets for a variety of animals including raptors and reptiles.
• Cleaning animal enclosures, including raking, shoveling, hosing, scrubbing, and light landscaping.
• Develops and conducts environmental education and recreational programming for the public which includes leading hands-on and interpretive programs, guided hikes, presentations, and special events.
• Creates promotional material for social media outlets to advance public outreach.
• Serve as a park ambassador providing roving interpretation and visitor assistance as needed, may include working the park's front booth.
• Communicate effectively with other staff and park patrons in a responsible and courteous manner.
• This position involves communicating in writing, as well as reading and comprehending written material.
• Adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct Policy and ensure compliance with all guidelines, policies, and procedures in the performance of daily tasks.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications No minimum qualifications per Civil Service. Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments

OPERATIONAL NEEDS

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be able to work weekends and some holidays.
• Must be comfortable working with animals.
• Must be able to perform strenuous work.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stoop and climb stairs.
• Must be able to shovel snow.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time and navigate difficult terrain.

PREFERRED OPERATIONAL NEED

• Experience with animal behavior training is preferred but not necessary.

Executive Order 31 commits New York State government to becoming a model employer for people with disabilities, increasing the participation of people with disabilities in state service, and ensuring equal access to opportunities. OPRHP encourages people with disabilities to apply. We provide reasonable and religious accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please send a request to the Equal Opportunity Unit at ReasonableAccommodation@parks.ny.gov or (518) 486-7754.

BENEFITS:

This position has the option to join the NYS Employees' Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements have been met. Learn more about our benefits for permanent state employees, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.