Location: New York,NY, USA
**Natural Resource Steward - Catskill Mountain Park R3**
Expected Dates May 22, 2022 to September 10, 2022 Site NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Position ID PO-00732651 Come protect the scenic Catskill Park while gaining valuable conservation skills by becoming a Natural Resource Steward!
The Student Conservation Association, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, seeks to place a cohort of 2 interns within high-use and ecologically sensitive parts of the Catskill Park. The interns will work alongside personnel from the NYSDEC on projects that help preserve and protect this unique natural resource. Interns receive a $160 weekly stipend, a $570 monthly housing allowance, and are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award at the completion of their service.
Interns gain valuable resource management experience and perform a variety of duties which involve the preservation, protection and enhancement of the natural resources and the safety and well-being of the public using these resources. This includes, but is not limited to:
-Performing trail maintenance activities including removing blowdown, installing or replacing trail markers and signs, trail brushing (side and overhead cutting), cleaning drainage devices
-Removing/rehabilitating primitive campsites and working with other Forestry and Forest Ranger staff as requested
-Performing maintenance activities of Back-Country Lean-Tos (to include staining and other activities)
-Performing Hand Tool maintenance to keep tools sharp and in good working condition
-Monitoring public use and ecosystem condition, reporting on them according to prescribed protocols
-Recording each days activities in a Daily Logbook
-Educating the public on the proper use of Forest Preserve and providing information on trail conditions and Rules and Regulations
-Educating the public regarding current topics that could in?uence fragile ecosystems
-Notifying the Forest Ranger and Forester about potential problems such as hazardous trail conditions, public use, and emergencies encountered;
-Using a portable radio to communicate with dispatch, Forest Rangers, Foresters and other DEC personnel as needed.
-Participating in DEC training as required and provide support for existing volunteer networks on trail maintenance.
-Assisting in backcountry emergencies including search and rescue, injuries and evacuation
-Maintaining documentation of work performed on a map over the course of the season
This position requires the willingness and ability to travel by foot and work alone or in small groups in remote, sometimes rugged terrain and inclement weather conditions. The interns will mostly work Thursday-Sunday. The ability to use a map and compass, a GPS unit and strong backpacking skills are essential.
The SCA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.
Conditions of Employment
Candidates will be required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine;
OR
Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of
selection.
* Location Description The New York State owned Catskill Forest Preserve is comprised of nearly 300,000 acres of land managed as Forever Wild. Recreational opportunities abound with 98 mountain peaks over 3,000 feet high and over 300 miles of trails.
* Training Provided 4 Day Orientation Leave no Trace -Trainer Course
* Educational/Recreational Opportunities The work location for the position is in the heart of the Catskill Mountains where recreational opportunities abound.
* No
Main Area of Focus Backcountry/Trail work Education, Training & Skills Expected Backpacking some experience Data Entry some experience Hand Tools competent without supervision Community Engagement competent without supervision Photography some experience AmeriCorps Eligible Eligible Driving Logistics Valid Drivers License Needed Personal Vehicle Required Back Country Stewards will need to drive to work sites. Yes Indoor/Outdoor Outdoor US Citizenship Required