* 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 Backcountry campers! Come protect the beautiful Pharaoh Lake Wilderness!
This popular Wilderness Area is located in the Adirondack Park of Northern New York State, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This 16-week Steward position requires the willingness and ability to travel by foot and work in remote, rugged terrain, and inclement weather conditions. There will be interaction with visitors of all types and the opportunity to provide outreach and education.
The position requires spending up to five days each week traveling and camping alone in the backcountry. The ability to use a map and compass (or GPS unit), strong backcountry skills, and self-motivation are essential. Training is provided at the beginning of the internship, and then supervised by the area’s Land Manager. This position will also require working with other Stewards in the region to complete special trail construction and maintenance projects as a team.
Information about this Forest Preserve unit can be found here https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/107648.html
Member Duties and Responsibilities:
- Spend five days each week traveling and camping alone in the backcountry.
- 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
- 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
Requirements to Serve:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must have a 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
Preferred Qualifications/Required Skills:
- An Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits in recreation, environmental education, natural resource management, biology, environmental studies, forestry, or a related field preferred or 6 months experience in environmental conservation work in an outdoor setting preferred
- Experienced in backpacking, including back country cooking and water filtration techniques
- Experienced with navigation using map and compass
- Some experience with GPS
- Some experience with hand tool work (bow saw, loppers, hammer)
Objective/Targets: To provide a consistent presence in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area to interact with and educate the public and provide LNT stewardship.
$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-00734941
Expected Dates: May 22, 2023 - September 10, 2023
Training Provided: Orientation training, back country trail work, campsite and facility monitoring, Leave No Trace training, trail maintenance and construction.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Steward will be trained at the beginning of the position, and some additional training opportunities may available throughout. Two days off (likely Tuesdays and Wednesdays) will allow for enjoyment of the Adirondacks.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
The position requires driving between 5 and 30 mins to a trailhead for weekly entrance to the Wilderness Area.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: No