Individual Placement - Trail Steward

Student Conservation Association • Trumansburg, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Finger Lakes Regional Trail Stewards maintain and construct historic trail systems in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State Parks, including rehabilitating historic paths, stonework, and bridges and assisting with new trails and trail infrastructure. Stewards help connect local community volunteers with trail improvement and natural resource protection efforts. They receive on-the-ground training and practical experience in trail building and maintenance, project coordination, and conservation stewardship while working with trail-building and conservation professionals.

The position is hosted by Finger Lakes State Parks, NYS OPRHP, and is located in Trumansburg, New York. Work is primarily in a front-country setting, though emergency services may be delayed by one to two hours. Public transportation may be limited or unavailable, and cell phone reception may be limited, spotty, or unavailable. Members regularly interact with the public.

The service term is January 25, 2027 through November 24, 2027, for 40 hours per week and a 1,700-hour AmeriCorps service requirement. Shared housing is provided in a multi-bedroom residence within Taughannock Falls State Park, with parking, storage, a full kitchen and dining area, two bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and an expansive yard with a pond. Compensation includes a $500 weekly living allowance and a $7,395 education award upon successful completion. Members are eligible for free health insurance and childcare assistance, and qualifying federal student loans may be eligible for forbearance and interest payment deferment. Allowances are subject to applicable taxes.

This is an SCA AmeriCorps position. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or national status; age 18 or older; a high school diploma or equivalent, or active work toward completion; and willingness to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check. Driving an SCA motor vehicle is required. Drivers must meet applicable license, experience, age, record-check, and training requirements.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks.
• Be able to meet the physical demands of the work, including working outdoors in all seasons and sometimes inclement weather; lifting and carrying heavy objects over long distances; standing for extended periods; using hand and power tools; and performing repetitive physical tasks.
• Possess a current and valid driver's license for the type of vehicle operated.
• Provide a state DMV driver abstract and pass New York State OPRHP driver training to drive for NY OPRHP.
• Have at least three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience and be at least 21 years old to drive for SCA.
• Complete and pass an MVR check upon hire or re-hire and annually thereafter.
• Complete and pass SCA driver training, including online and behind-the-wheel assessment components.
• Work 40 hours per week and meet the 1,700-hour AmeriCorps service requirement.
• Submit timesheets weekly or biweekly through SCA's ADP timekeeping system and submit required output reports and member narratives.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and construct historic trail systems, including rehabilitating historic paths, stonework, and bridges.
• Assist with building new trails and trail infrastructure.
• Perform trail maintenance and construction under agency supervision and independently.
• Assist the Finger Lakes trail crew with scheduled trail improvement projects, trail condition assessments, and related infrastructure work.
• Assist with other park infrastructure work, invasive species removal and monitoring, and ecological restoration.
• Establish relationships with local volunteer groups and coordinate volunteer trail projects and events.
• Serve as a public liaison for the regional trail crew and educate park patrons on sustainable trail work and natural area protection.
• Maintain tools and equipment.
• Submit timesheets and required output and narrative reports.

Benefits

• $500 weekly living allowance
• $7,395 AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion
• Eligibility for free health insurance
• Eligibility for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Eligibility for federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment for qualifying loans
• Shared housing in a multi-bedroom residence within Taughannock Falls State Park
• Training opportunities, including orientation, risk management, mental health first aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Leave No Trace Level 1, ACA Level 1 Canoe Training, Certified Interpretive Guide training, professional development, and on-the-job trail and volunteer coordination training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED