| 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. Due to Covid-19, events and trainings are subject to change in response to an increase in the number of cases in the Hudson Valley region. Such changes include, but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, requesting symptomatic members to stay home from events, and asking members to test prior to Corps gatherings. SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events. |
Organization/Agency Mission and/or Goals:
SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
Purpose of the Program:
To provide the SCA Member with experience in park operations and to gain skills and knowledge in operating equipment and tools associated with trail building and maintenance.
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
The park is heavily trafficked on weekends with a diverse group of visitors from the Hudson Valley, New York City and beyond. Many are first time hikers and unfamiliar with the terrain, and the rules and regulations of the park. This results in a variety of challenges such as: lost and injured hikers, traffic congestion, trail erosion, litter, and misuse of park facilities. The SCA member will provide visitors with information about the trails, give suggested routes, manage foot and vehicular traffic, find and aid lost and injured hikers, perform trail repair and maintenance, clean up parking areas, and inform patrons of park regulations.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
Park Maintenance and Landscaping (~25%)
Trail Stewarding and Visitor Management (weekends) (~40%)
Trail Building and Upkeep (~20%)
Conservation Stewardship Projects and Education (~15%)
How the Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
NYS OPRHP has three main goals: recreation, conservation and historic preservation. As per the job description above, the Corps member will be intimately involved with all three of these activities.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: To acquire a thorough understanding of what it means to work within the New York State Park system; learning to balance the demands of recreation with environmental conservation.
Goal 2: To develop a working knowledge of the trails system with in the park and Leave No Trace principles, and to be able to act independently as a trail steward.
Goal 3: To help park employees implement conservation projects, such as restoring native pollinator gardens, performing environmental research, removing invasive species, and occasional environmental education workshops
Candidate Qualifications:
Ability to pass a background check.
At least two years of college experience in a relevant field
Valid driver license of 3+ with a clean driving record
Be able to lift 40+ pounds
Must be willing to learn
Willing to learn and foster a cooperative work environment
Skills: Works well within a team, flexibility, public speaking, experience using landscaping equipment (not required)
Knowledge: Basic environmental knowledge, hiking/outdoor experience
Training: Leave No Trace (suggested, but not required), First Aid (suggested, but not required)
Benefits:
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,495
Amount of living allowance member will receive:
$350/week living allowance
$1,000/month housing allowance upstate (if housing is not provided)
$1,100/month housing allowance in NYC (if housing is not provided)
Healthcare coverage (if applicable):
Eligible for free health insurance
Childcare coverage (if applicable):
Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
Training Opportunities:
All Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Environmental Leadership Institute, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and other opportunities that arise.
Position ID: PO-00736134
Expected Dates: January 22, 2024 - November 18, 2024
Location:
Taconic Outdoor Education Center
75 Mountain Laurel Lane
Cold Spring, NY 10516
US
Training Provided: Opportunities for other training will be made available and some required as they arise from Parks during the internship.
Professional Development Opportunities: SCA offers Hudson Valley Corps members Trail Skills and Interpretation and Environmental Education trainings. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, American Canoe Association Level 1 Canoe, Environmental Leadership Institute, and other opportunities which may arise.
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery stores, libraries, etc. as well as travel to Hudson Valley Corps trainings and events.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Cabin near park office, shared with other seasonal staff
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes