New York State Parks Corps- Finger Lakes Region Trail Steward
New York State Parks Corps- Finger Lakes Region Trail Steward
#354
Trumansburg, New York
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Job Description
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 upstate New York. Such changes include but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, elimination of large-scale gatherings, and a reduction of education programs.
New York’s Finger Lakes Region is seeking enthusiastic Trail Stewards for the 2024 season. Apply to be a SCA New York State Parks Corps member today!
Start date: 6/10/24
End date: 11/18/24
About the NYS Parks Corps: Service activities range from providing environmental education and interpretation, to trail restoration, wildlife management, and organizing volunteer events. All 21 Parks Corps members will gather regularly in Central NY for SCA trainings and other professional development opportunities as they arise. (**See Covid caveat above for potential exceptions to 2024 events) Members share housing in groups of 1-4 members per location. NYS Parks Corps members serve under the direction of regional Parks staff to assist in accomplishing the mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources.
This position is located in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, with housing in Trumansburg, NY.
Purpose of the Position: Participating members will rehabilitate and maintain the trail systems within the Finger Lakes Region of the NYS Parks while connecting volunteers within the local community with the agency’s trail improvement and natural resource protection efforts. Members will receive on the ground training and direct experience in trail building, projects planning, and conservation stewardship skills.
Community Needs that the Position Serves: Improved public access to the region’s natural areas; environmental and natural resource restoration and protection; historic preservation; creation of community connections to state park lands.
Values and Standards of the Program/Position:
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.
The Mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreation and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform trail maintenance and construction tasks both under the supervision of agency staff and independently. Assist with other park infrastructure work.
- Establish relationships with local volunteer groups. Planning volunteer projects and events.
- Serve as a public liaison for the Finger Lakes regional trail crew; educating park patrons on sustainable trail work and natural areas protection.
- Tool and equipment maintenance.
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization: Participating members will play a valuable role in the protection and improvement of state park facilities, natural resources, and infrastructure while improving the overall safety and experience for park patrons.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Actively assist the Finger Lakes trail crew in the completion of scheduled trail improvement projects and related infrastructure work.
Goal 2: Independently plan and implement at least two volunteer trail improvement projects.
Goal 3: Increase the public visibility of the Finger Lakes regional trail crew.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Valid driver license.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Two years of college or other post-secondary school experience in a relevant field.
Skills, Knowledge, and Training: Prior experience in trail building, carpentry, or construction preferred but not required. Experience/training with hand and power tools, chainsaw use and rigging preferred but not required. Able to meet the physical demands of trail work.
Benefits
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is offered for successful completion of the member’s 1700-hour term of service: $6,895
Amount of living allowance member will receive: $600/week living allowance
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 SCA NYS Parks Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, and professional development. Environmental Education Stewards receive Certified Interpretive Guide training while Conservation Stewards receive Game of Logging 1 & 2. Optional trainings include NYSOEA, the American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe Training, and other opportunities that arise through the SCA and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.