Natural Resource Steward – Catskill Mountain Park R3 (PO-00734894)

* This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps.  If you are selected for this program please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process.  No travel allowance will be offered for this position even if it is stated on your confirmation of acceptance.*

Come protect the scenic Catskill Park while gaining valuable conservation skills by becoming a Natural Resource Steward!

The Student Conservation Association, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, seeks to place a cohort of 2 interns within high-use and ecologically sensitive parts of the Catskill Park. The interns will work alongside personnel from the NYSDEC on projects that help preserve and protect this unique natural resource. 

Interns gain valuable resource management experience and perform a variety of duties which involve the preservation, protection and enhancement of the natural resources and the safety and well-being of the public using these resources.

This position requires the willingness and ability to travel by foot and work alone or in small groups in remote, sometimes rugged terrain and inclement weather conditions. The interns will mostly work Thursday-Sunday, including holidays. The ability to use a map and compass, a GPS unit and strong backpacking skills are essential.

The SCA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Member Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performing trail maintenance activities including removing blowdown, installing, or replacing trail markers and signs, trail brushing (side and overhead cutting), cleaning drainage devices
• Removing/rehabilitating primitive campsites and working with other Forestry and Forest Ranger staff as requested
• Performing maintenance activities of backcountry lean-tos (to include staining and other activities)
• Performing hand tool maintenance to keep tools sharp and in good working condition
• Monitoring public use and ecosystem condition, reporting on them according to prescribed protocols, especially at high use locations
• Recording each day’s activities in a daily logbook
• Educating the public on the proper use of Forest Preserve and providing information on trail conditions and rules and regulations
• Educating the public regarding current topics that could influence fragile ecosystems
• Communicate with Forest Rangers and Forester about potential problems such as hazardous trail conditions, public use, and emergencies encountered
• Using a portable radio to communicate with dispatch, Forest Rangers, Foresters and other DEC personnel as needed.
• Participating in DEC training as required and provide support for existing volunteer networks on trail maintenance.
• Maintaining documentation of work performed on a map over the course of the season

Requirements to Serve:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have a personal vehicle
• Must be a Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Residing Alien of the US
• Must be physically capable of performing field work common to the assigned work area over rough terrain and during inclement weather

Preferred Qualifications/Required Skills:

• Ability to work independently or in a team required
• Ability to communicate with your peers and the public required
• Must be able to hike multiple miles on rugged terrain
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Spanish speaking skills preferred
• Some camping experience preferred
• Some land navigation experience preferred (GPS, maps, compass, etc.)
• Some hand tool experience preferred
• Some college level education in Forestry, Biology, Earth Science, Outdoor Education, trail work, Conservation, Geography, or related field preferred

 

Position ID: PO-00734894

Expected Dates: June 5, 2023 - September 25, 2023

Location:
Catskills Visitor Center
5096 NY-28
Mt Temper, NY 12457
US

Training Provided: • 4-Day SCA orientation • Trail tool safety • DEC / Radio Rules and Regulations • First Aid • Anti-Harassment Training • Driver Safety Training

Educational/Recreational Opportunities: The work location for the position is in the heart of the Catskill Mountains where recreational opportunities abound.

Professional Development Opportunities: A professional development series is hosted by the New York State SCA Program Coordinators over one month.  Dates TBD but topics include:

• Resume Workshop
• Job Board Navigation
• How to Interview
• Intro to GIS/GPS

Depending on your site and workload, you may not be able to attend the live events, but recordings and opportunities for discussion will be made available to you.
 

Handicap Accessible?: No

Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work

Further Details

AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible

Driving Logistics: Required

Back Country Stewards will need to drive to work sites.

Housing or Stipend Provided?
B. Partner will pay The SCA to provide housing for the member

Housing is located at 15 Co Rd 83.  The house has four beds, with two bedrooms and a loft.  One bedroom has a king and one has two doubles.  The loft has one bed.  The house has AC, Wifi, a washer/dryer and all the modern amenities.  Parking available on site.  Housing is coordinated through a private landlord, Mr. Joe Cangemi. His number is 603-504-3324 and his email is [email protected]  He is a friend of an alumni's Dad, who stayed there during her 2022 season.  
 

Indoor/Outdoor: Outside

US Citizenship: Yes