* 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.*
Calling all paddlers! Come help protect the scenic Adirondack 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 an intern working in Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest and the Five Ponds Wilderness Area. This intern will work for a duration of 16 weeks along personnel from NYSDEC on projects that help preserve and protect these unique natural resources. This position includes a $160 weekly stipend and a $570 monthly housing allowance. This intern will be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award at the completion of their service.
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 have ankle high hiking boots with lug sole and own camping gear – backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook stove, water filter, rain gear, orienteering-style compass, etc
- 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:
- Educating the public on proper use of public lands
- Providing information on trail conditions, parking and Rules and Regulations
- Provide information on Leave No Trace principles and low impact hiking and camping
- Notifying the Forest Ranger and Forester with respect to potential problems such as those involving hazardous trail conditions, public use, and emergencies they encounter
- Performing minor trail maintenance such as removing blowdown, installing trail markers, cleaning drainage structures, and working with other staff as directed
- Perform minor primitive campsite maintenance such as cleaning up trash, cleaning fire rings, putting out un-attended campfires, and re-locating privies
- Monitoring human visitation patterns
- Performing campsite and trail assessments
- Recording GPS data
- Performing first aid and CPR in emergencies
- Providing support for existing volunteer networks
Necessary Job Skills:
- Willingness to work alone or in small groups in remote areas
- Ability to hike, backpack, and sometimes camp in backcountry locations
- Ability to use a kayak to visit water access primitive campsites on Hitchens Pond and Lows Lake
- Ability to navigate using a map and compass or GPS
- Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
- Ability to hike with a backpack
- Ability to use a kayak and paddle up to 5 miles in a day
- Interest in interacting with the public and providing information on sustainable recreation
Objective/Targets:
- Provide information to recreational users and reduce negative impacts to the Forest Preserve.
- Provide information to the public about the Bog River Dam Maintenance Project which will be active in 2023, designated parking areas, alternative access routes for summer 2023, and alternative areas to visit during construction
- Improve safety of recreational users and maintenance of facilities.
- Reduce the risk of unattended / escaped campfires.
Benefits:
$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/covid
Position ID: PO-00734912
Expected Dates: May 22, 2023 - September 10, 2023
Training Provided: • 4-Day SCA orientation • Trail tool safety • DEC / Radio Rules and Regulations • First Aid • Anti-Harassment Training • Driver Safety Training
Professional Development Opportunities: 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
Remote Location. Vehicle should be able to transport a canoe or kayak.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes