* 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.*
Do you love people, the outdoors, and adventure? Come and help protect the beautiful Lake George Wild Forest!
The Student Conservation Association, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, seeks to place a cohort of 4 stewards within high-use and ecologically sensitive parts of the Lake George Wild Forest.
In this 16-week position, stewards will spend five days each week traveling and camping within the unit with the primary goal of interacting with the public to provide outreach and education. Certain areas of the Lake George Wild Forest have large volumes of visitors during peak summer weekends and Stewards will mainly be stationed in these areas, patrolling trails, campsites, and parking areas, to provide information to users on the recreational opportunities of the area, rules and regulations of the Forest Preserve, and Leave No Trace principles. Visitor use data collection is another assigned task to collect information on the number and type of users visiting these sites. Some days will be spent stationed in one location counting all users who enter and/or exit the facility.
This position will also require working as a team with other Natural Resource Stewards and NYSDEC personnel in the region to complete special trail construction and maintenance projects as a team. Projects include constructing trail bridges, relocating and/or installing new privies at campsites, clearing blowdown from trails and replacing trail marker disks.
In addition to strong interpersonal skills, this position requires the willingness and ability to travel by foot and work in remote, rugged terrain, and inclement weather conditions. The ability to use a map and compass (or GPS unit), strong backcountry skills, and self-motivation are essential. Training will be provided at the beginning of the internship, and then supervised by the DEC area manager.
Information about this Forest Preserve unit can be found here https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/53165.html
Requirements to Serve:
- Must be 18 years of age 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
Member Duties and Responsibilities:
- Patrol trails and high use areas to interact with users. Provide information and education to the public relating to recreation and protection of natural resources
- Provide assistance and advice to users regarding trails and other recreational facilities
- Promote Leave No Trace practices
- Conduct visitor use surveys
- Inspect trails and other facilities to determine condition and maintenance requirements
- Perform routine maintenance on trails and other facilities using hand tools (e.g. bow saw, loppers) including blowdown removal, removal of debris and garbage, hanging trail marker disks, installing pit privies
- Take inventory measurements, both quantitative and qualitative, of specific trail and camping area conditions and patterns of use, to assist the Department in its resource management programs
- Assist with other SCA and volunteer trail maintenance and construction projects
- Assist in backcountry emergencies including search and rescue, injuries, and evacuation if/when work location is near rescue location
- Maintain records and prepare and submit reports relating to daily activities, public use, maintenance needs, and special reports as needed
- Participate in training as required
- Other duties as assigned connected to the conservation project
$160/week living allowance
$570/month housing allowance if housing is not provided
$80 reimbursement for work pants
$1,718 AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of your term of service
Eligibility for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
*All Allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
If you have any questions or would like more information about opportunities with the Natural Resource Stewards, do not hesitate to contact Victoria Yargeau at [email protected] or call 571-895-1742 between the hours of 9 AM – 5 PM (EST).
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to
www.thesca.org/covidPosition ID: PO-00734908
Expected Dates: May 22, 2023 - September 10, 2023
Location:
232 Golf Course Rd
Warrensburg, NY 12885
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: Numerous recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity. Two days off (likely Tuesday and Wednesday) will allow for the enjoyment of the Adirondack Park.
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
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Vehicle is required. The position requires driving between 15-45 mins to a trailhead for weekly entrance to the Wild Forest area.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
B. Partner will pay The SCA to provide housing for the member
3 bed 2 bath housing at a Girl Scout camp, address: 1799 NY-9N Scenic, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes