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Program Assistant Volunteer

Program Assistant Volunteers are an important part of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Education Team. They help us reach audiences of all ages through a variety of different types of programs from hikes to lectures and beyond!
Program Assistant Volunteers support the education and interpretive programs of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission in many ways. They provide assistance to program leaders on the trail and in the classroom, prepare program materials in advance of a program, interact with visitors and more!

The 3,350+ - acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP), located in New York’s Capital District, protects one of the best remaining inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens in the world. This extraordinary fire-dependent ecosystem provides habitat for many plants and animals, which includes 78 New York State-designated wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The APBP is a National Natural Landmark, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Site, a New York State Unique Area and Bird Conservation Area, and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails, the APBP offers visitors many recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission is a public-private partnership created by the NYS Legislature in 1988 to protect and manage the APBP and provide the public with educational and recreational opportunities. The Management Plan for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve guides all aspects of creating and managing the preserve.

As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center is a “green” certified interpretive center where visitors come to understand why the Pine Bush is rare and special. This unique destination provides for exciting exploration where learning comes naturally through interactive exhibits, an outdoor Discovery Trail, and numerous programs on the ecology, natural history, cultural history and management of the Pine Bush.

Training for the Program Assistant Volunteer position will be provided. This position is supervised by the Education Program Director.

Duties of the Program Assistant Volunteer:

  • Be the last person in the hike group, sometimes called the “sweep”. Help the leader keep the group together and direct questions to leader and group as a whole when appropriate.
  • Assist program leader during program by passing around objects for participants to see and touch.
  • Assist program leader with other aspects of program such as games, crafts or activities.
  • Greet program participants and assist program leader with check-in procedure.
  • Help with set-up and clean-up for programs.
  • Prepare materials for programs. May include tasks such as cutting and tracing.
  • Help students complete scavenger hunts in the Discovery Center as part of school or special interest group programs.
  • Interact with program participants in a friendly educational capacity.
  • Assist with programs by sharing musical or other talents (optional).
  • Assist at special events including Lupine Fest (optional).
  • With additional training, Volunteer Program Assistants can become Volunteer Educators and take on the role of leading programs or parts of programs.

Requirements:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with people of all ages in an interpretive capacity.
  • Work requires moderate physical exertion and frequent exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
  • Experience working as an educator, or with public speaking preferred but not required.
  • Background or interest in the natural sciences and the ability to use field identification guides, willingness to learn, and a strong interest in the ecology, history and management of the area.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Reliable transportation needed.
  • First aid training recommended.
  • Background checks will be conducted on all Volunteer Program Assistants.
     

Date Posted: 10-14-2022

Expire Date: Open until filled

Contact Name: Beth MacCallum, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator

Contact Email: volunteer@albanypinebush.org

Additional Instructions:

Contact Beth to schedule an interview. volunteer@albanypinebush.org 518-456-0655 x1217

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