Trail Steward Member/Leader

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to become leaders in environmental conservation. Industry experts train our AmeriCorps crews in sustainable trail building, invasive species management, public outreach, volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership to provide vital resources to the parks you enjoy. Corps Members will receive a living stipend for their service and are eligible for education awards through our partnership with AmeriCorps.

POSITION SUMMARY

Our Trail Stewards have brought face-to-face education and sustainable, on-the-ground solutions to some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations since 2013. They are vital in protecting these places’ ecological integrity and help mitigate the impacts of increased use. Stewards inform the public about park regulations, safety and preparedness, and responsible use. Through public outreach and trail projects, stewards cultivate volunteers to give back to parks and trails they love. Stewards will share the Trail Conference’s passion for conservation and join us in educating trail users on proper etiquette and safety, as well as lead interpretive stewardship hikes and workshops focusing on responsible use, natural history, and ecology.

LOCATIONS

Lower Hudson Valley Region or Catskill Forest Preserve, New York

TERM OF SERVICE

(There are multiple options for service, but priority will be given to those who can serve 900 hours)

• Three-Quarter Time (3QT): Minimum of 1,2000-hours service term, April 3rd through November 15th 
• Half-Time (HT): Minimum of 900-hours service term, May 9th through October 25th
• Reduced Half Time (RHT): Minimum of 675-hours service term, May 22nd through September 26th
• Quarter Time (QT): Minimum of 450-hours service term; May 22nd through August 16th

Work week is Wednesday through Sunday. Weekend and holiday work is required. Members must take a 1/2-hour lunch which does not count toward service hours. This outdoor position includes a variety of weather conditions. Members are required to wear a provided uniform.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

(The Trail Conference greatly values the Corps Members’ experience, in parentheses are approximate values of the training and service that will be provided, free of charge)

• Free, as needed, rustic, lakeside housing within Harriman State Park provided from May 7th-October 26th ($909 per month)
• Possibility for free backcountry camping access at more remote worksites
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance of:

• • 3QT: $937.50, or $17,500 total
  • HT: $958.33, or $11,500 total (returning members $1,041.67; $12,500 total)
  • RHT: $958.33, or $8,625 total (returning members $1,041.67; $9,375 total)
  • QT: $958.33, or $5,750 total (returning members $1,041.67; $6,250 total)
• Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the term totaling:
  • 3QT: $4,826.50
  • HT: $3.447.50
  • RHT: $2,626.27
  • QT: $1,824.07
• Certification in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED ($285) and Leave No Trace (Two Day Trainer Course $100)
• Networking and career development opportunities with environmental professionals including one-on-one resume workshops ($250)
• Training and experience in leadership, teaching, working with volunteers, public outreach, and teamwork
• Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
• Eligible for SNAP benefits ($245.88 per month)
• Travel stipend ($46 bi-weekly)
• Total Approximate Value of Stipend, Education Award, and Services:
  • 3QT: $30,664.50
  • HT: $22,609.75 (returning members $23,609.75)
  • RHT: $16,583.77 (returning members $17,333.77)
  • QT: $11,722.70 (returning members $12,222.70)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a welcoming and engaging presence for visitors at trailheads, out on trails, and at summits
• Educate visitors on responsible recreation through Leave No Trace principles
• Familiarize visitors with park regulations
• Use hand tools to build and maintain high quality hiking trails and trail structures
• Support lost/injured hikers and emergency-response agencies whenever possible
• Collect trail user data and submit weekly reports
• Lead stewardship activities such as workshops and nature interpretation hikes
• Work collaboratively with partners, other TCCC members, and volunteers on trail management projects
• Members may not engage in Prohibited Activities outlined in AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement
• Leader Only Specifics:
  • Assist Program Coordinator with pre- and post-season planning, scheduling, and partner coordination
  • Oversee and help train a team of 6 to 10 members, primarily independently, to encourage good work ethic, provide support and guidance, ensure protocols are followed, and delegate tasks
  • Collect, compile, analyze, and share weekly trail user data and the team’s accomplishments in the form of social media posts, monthly reports, mid-season, and end-of-season reports

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; interest in engaging with all types of park visitors
• Ability to perform manual labor and hike up to 6-8 miles per day over rough terrain with a heavy pack
• Comfort working outdoors in all types of weather and conditions
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites

BONUS POINTS

• A passion for hiking and outdoor education
• Backpacking, camping, and/or outdoor field work experience
• Outreach, public speaking, or teaching experience
• Ability to speak conversational Spanish

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a three-part national service criminal history check of the national sex-offender registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint check; and complete all pre-service orientation and training requirements. Documentation of age, education, and citizenship are due by the first day of orientation. Criminal history checks will be initiated before the start of service; an individual will be ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. We pledge to uphold equality in our hiring and employment practices and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work.