Natural Resource Steward – St Regis Canoe Area (PO-00734907)

* 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 Canoers! Come be a part of the Student Conservation Association’s Natural Resource Steward program and help protect the scenic St. Regis Canoe area while gaining valuable conservation skills!

This 16-week internship position takes place in New York’s Adirondack mountains and provides a paid living stipend and housing stiped. Additionally, candidates are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award stipend at the completion of their service.

What your day-to-day will look like: You’ll be canoeing to inspect and maintain scattered campsites, talking with visitors about Leave-no-Trace principals and proper camping practices, and maintaining hiking trails.  At times interaction with visitors will occur at parking areas.  Most of the time will be spent working alone.

This position requires the willingness and ability to travel by canoe and by foot and work alone in remote, rugged terrain and during inclement weather conditions. Many of the work sites will require travel across lakes or ponds. Strong canoe skills are essential. 

You will be required to work weekends. Most days will be spent in the field. On most days you will report to the headquarters located at Saranac Inn, New York in the morning and return at the end of the day. Several times during the summer you will be required to camp alone in the backcountry. Physical work will be a component of this position. The ability to use a map and compass (or GPS unit) and strong canoeing skills are essential.

Member Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform impacted site restoration
  • Perform routine maintenance on campsites, trails, and other facilities using hand tools (e.g. axe, bow saw, loppers, etc.) including the removal of garbage
  • Provide information and education to visitors relating to the proper use and protection of the natural resource
  • Promote Leave-No-Trace practices
  • Provide assistance and advice to users regarding trails and campsites.
  • Inspect trails and campsites to determine condition and maintenance requirements
  • Assist with other SCA and volunteer trail maintenance projects
  • Under the direction of a Forest Ranger, assist in back country emergencies, including search, rescue, injuries, and evacuations
  • Provide radio communication for emergency operations
  • Maintain records, prepare, and submit reports relating to daily activities, public use, maintenance needs, and special reports as needed

Service Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • 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
  • An Associates Degree or 60 college credit hours in environmental education, natural resources management, biology, environmental studies, or a related field preferred or 6 months experience in environmental conservation work in a park or recreation setting prefered

 

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-00734907

Expected Dates: May 22, 2023 - September 10, 2023

Location:
1115 State Route 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977
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: This position is located in the heart of the Adirondack Park, where outdoor recreational opportunities abound. Some of the recreational activities include biking, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, fishing, and camping.

Handicap Accessible?: No

Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work

Further Details

AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible

Driving Logistics: Required

Will be required to use personal vehicle as part of job duties.

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

Indoor/Outdoor: Outside

US Citizenship: Yes

Student Conservation Association