Regional Trail Technician

TITLE:                                               Regional Trail Technician (Park and Recreation Aide 4)

SALARY RANGE:                              $17.95/hour

WORK LOCATION:                           Taconic Region

                                                        9 Old Post Road, Staatsburg, New York

NEGOTIATING UNIT:                        CSEA, NU03 (Operational Services Unit)

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:                3

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:                Seasonal (6 months)

JURISDICTIONAL CLASS:                 Labor Class

SCHEDULE:                                      40 hours/week – Monday-Friday

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Build a path, while finding yours! The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) is seeking three seasonal Trail Technicians to assist with the management of some of the most diverse and popular trails across our State Parks system. The primary responsibility of the Regional Trail Technician(s) is to work as a team in the form of a trail crew, completing trail improvement projects that enhance regional trail resources.

The position will work throughout the Taconic Region, which covers Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties. Each morning check-in will be in Staatsburg, NY where a state vehicle will be provided for travel to work sites.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Contributing to a positive, safe, and productive work environment.
• Performing a variety of hands-on trail construction and maintenance projects (new trail construction, stonework, carpentry, trimming, trail sign installation, and so on).
• Using and maintaining tools and equipment properly and safely.
• Operating a State provided vehicle and filling out mileage logs daily.
• Utilizing State provided Personal Protection Equipment during work tasks (hard hat, gloves, eye protection, and ear protection).
• Interacting with and educating the public when approached about work being done.
• Performing assessments of trail conditions, needs, and uses.
• Completing other related duties as required.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must communicate and collaborate effectively with supervisors, fellow trail crew members, staff across the organization, and volunteers.
• Demonstrate safe working practices and perform trail work while maintaining safe working conditions.
• Work on uneven and steep terrain, carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment of up to 50lbs independently or more as a team.
• Demonstrate an attentiveness to detail while performing physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, rain, and so on).
• Work independently and as part of a team depending on project needs.
• Interact with the public and professionally represent the NYS OPRHP.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Working knowledge of sustainable trail building techniques and Leave No Trace principles.
• Experience with outdoor labor, particularly with trail construction and maintenance, or other related experience (landscaping, carpentry, general construction, and so on).
• Experience with trail-related tools including shovels, picks, Mcleods, rock bars, loppers, and hand shears.
• Experience operating and maintaining chainsaws and heavy equipment.
• Degree in or currently enrolled in environmental science, forestry, outdoor recreation, wildlife, fisheries, biology, Geography/GIS, urban or regional planning, landscape architecture, or equivalent discipline.

NOTE:

• Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the listed qualifications or do not currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge included in the description. NYS OPRHP values a wide range of experience and education related to this position and is committed to professional development to train employees. The successful candidate may not have all these qualifications so if you have related experience, please apply.

POSITION SCHEDULE AND DURATION:

• This is a 6 month seasonal position of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, in the Parks and Recreation Aide 4 title. The position begins May 2024 and is funded through October 2024.

BENEFITS:

There are various benefits that a seasonal may be entitled to, including:

• New York State Retirement System Membership
• Tuition Assistance Programs

Learn more about our benefits at https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx