Location: New York,NY, USA
Calling all Canoers! Come be a part of the Student Conservation Associations Natural Resource Steward program and help protect the scenic St. Regis Canoe area while gaining valuable conservation skills!
This 16 week internship position takes place in New Yorks Adirondack mountains, andprovides a $160 weekly living stipend and a $570 per month housing allowance. Additionally, candidates are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award stipend at the completion of their service.
What your day-to-day will look like: Youll be canoeing to inspect scattered campsites, and talking with visitors about Leave-no-Trace principals and proper camping practices. At times interaction with visitors will occur at parking areas. Most of the time will be spent working alone, or with DEC personnel as needed.
This position requires the willingness and ability to travel by canoe and by foot and work alone in remote, rugged terrain and during inclement weather conditions. The campsites are located on lakes that are subject to conditions that can quickly result in white-cap waves forming. Strong canoe skills are essential.
You will be required to work weekends. Most days will be spent in the field. On most days you will report to the headquarters located at Saranac Inn, New York in the morning and return at the end of the day. Several times during the summer you will be required to camp alone in the backcountry. Physical work will be a component of this position. The ability to use a map and compass (or GPS unit) and strong canoeing skills are essential.
Specific duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Perform impacted site restoration;
- Perform routine maintenance on campsites, trails, and other facilities using hand tools (e.g. axe, bow saw, loppers, etc.) including the removal of garbage;
- Provide information and education to visitors relating to the proper use and protection of the natural resource;
- Promote Leave-No-Trace practices;
- Provide assistance and advice to users regarding trails and campsites;
- Inspect trails and campsites to determine condition and maintenance requirements;
- Assist with other SCA and volunteer trail maintenance projects;
- Under the direction of a Forest Ranger, assist in back country emergencies, including search, rescue, injuries, and evacuations;
- Provide radio communication for emergency operations; and
- Maintain records, prepare and submit reports relating to daily activities, public use, maintenance needs, and special reports as needed.
**Minimum Qualifications**
- Must be 18 years of age or older;
- Must have Associates Degree or 60 college credit hours in environmental education, natural resources management, biology, environmental studies, or a related field preferred or 6 months experience in environmental conservation work in a park or recreation setting;
- Must have a valid drivers license;
-Must have ankle high hiking boots with lug sole and own backpack camping gear - backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook stove, water filter, rain gear, orienteering-style compass, etc.
- Must be physically capable of performing field work common to the assigned work area over rough terrain and during inclement weather; and
- Must have experience canoeing.
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 18,400 acre Saint Regis Canoe Area is located in the north central region of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. The areas chief attributes are its numerous lakes and ponds which make possible a remote and unconfined type of water-oriented recreation in a wilderness setting. Canoeing, camping, hiking, and fishing are the main recreational pursuits. Many of the campsites and trails in the area have been heavily impacted by recreational use.
The Adirondack Park is a mix of private and public lands. The private lands include sizable but scattered villages and communities. Training Provided A training session will be provided that will cover the basic knowledge required for this position. Education, Training & Skills Expected Recreation Management some coursework or experience Resource Management some coursework or experience Camping competent without supervision Hand Tools some experience Swimming competent without supervision Trail Maintenance some experience AmeriCorps Eligible Eligible Driving Logistics Valid Drivers License Needed Personal Vehicle Required Will be required to use personal vehicle as part of job duties. Yes Certification Requirements CPR/First Aid Indoor/Outdoor Outdoor US Citizenship Required