Regional Trails Technician

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION – FINGER LAKES REGION

TITLE/GRADE:                                                 Parks and Recreation Aide 6 (Finger Lakes Parks Regional Trail Specialist) / SG-NS

HOURLY HIRING RATE:                                  $20.94/hr.

WORK LOCATION:                                          Regional Trails Office, Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg, NY 14886

NEGOTIATING UNIT:                                       CSEA, NU03 – Operational Services Unit

JURISDICTIONAL CLASS:                               Labor

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:                                Temporary

WORK SCHEDULE:                                         Monday – Thursday: 7:00am to 5:30pm

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) in the Finger Lakes Region is seeking a full-time, year-round, long-term seasonal Trail Technician to aid in the maintenance and construction of trails within the Finger Lakes State Parks. The Regional Trail Technician will work both independently and as part of a team to perform a wide range of trail maintenance and construction tasks throughout the region. The Regional Trail Technician will work under the direction of the Regional Trails Coordinator. The position will require supervision of four seasonal crew members, two SCA (Student Conservation Association) Parks Corps trail stewards, with occasional supervision of additional park staff, volunteer crews, and conservation corps teams. The position reports to Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg, NY. Housing is not provided.

Duties include:

• Construct new trails.
• Improve trail tread and drainage to prevent erosion.
• Construct dimensional lumber and stone stairs, stone and timber retaining walls, and other trail structures.
• Build bridges, boardwalks, and other trail infrastructure.
• Perform tree removal including tree and brush work that at times requires the use of a chainsaw.
• Perform general facilities maintenance including aiding park staff and regional maintenance crews in the upkeep, maintenance, and repair of park buildings and grounds outside of trails. Tasks include hanging drywall, painting, insulating, light electrical work, assist with tiling, and assist regional masons and carpenters, etc.
• Perform work on uneven and steep terrain, carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Perform work outdoors in all weather conditions, with both hand and power tools.
• Adhere to the agency’s Code of Conduct Policy and ensure compliance with all guidelines, policies, and procedures in the performance of daily tasks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

There are no minimum qualifications per Civil Service.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

• Must possess at least three years of experience with outdoor labor, particularly trail maintenance and construction or any of the following: dry stone masonry, carpentry, landscaping, general construction.
• Must possess at least two seasons of experience with supervising trail construction crews or equivalent work and managing project logistics.
• Must possess at least one year of experience using hand tools, power tools, and performing/troubleshooting basic tool maintenance.
• 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.
• Possess the ability to operate a chainsaw and complete NYS Parks Saw Training program during the next training session.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Leadership, volunteer coordination, and project management experience.
• Experience operating light equipment such as skid steer, mini-excavators, and utility task vehicles (UTV).
• Experience working with ropes, winches, and high line rigging systems, or arborist work.
• Experience with handheld GPS data collection and ArcGIS (geographic information system) online.
• Experience with trail-related tools including shovels, picks, rock bars, rogue hoes, chainsaws, gas augers, rock drills,   stone shaping tools.
• Experience operating a chainsaw.
• Knowledge of sustainable trail layout and structural design.

BENEFITS:

This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System. Is eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage. Opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time & service requirements have been met.

This position is eligible to receive certifications not limited to the following:

• CPR/First Aid
• Game of Logging Level 1 & 2 or equivalent sawyer training
• Equipment Trailering/Load Securement Training
• UTV Operator/Safety Training
• Tractor Operator/Safety Training
• Risk Tree Assessment Training
• Respirator Fit Test & Use Training