Seasonal Lean-tos, Cabins & Trails Crew Member

Paul Smith's College • Paul Smiths, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lean-tos, Cabins & Trails Crew works on creating, redesigning, and upgrading trails, and repairing and constructing lean-tos and cabins on Paul Smith’s College lands. The crew may also contract with private individuals or companies. Its work extends classroom and field instruction through practical application, supports development of College lands, and may provide a pathway for students pursuing this profession or related fields. Accessibility, including ADA compliance, is considered on a case-by-case basis. Students may continue in their positions during academic semesters as workload allows and while they remain in good academic standing. Advancement opportunities are available. The crew works alongside the Forest Operations crew when needed.

Crew members help create safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing results. They assist with project design and development, estimating time and material costs, and proper tool use and maintenance. Their work should consider effects on the natural environment, ecosystems, and visitor experience, with sustainability and accessibility kept in focus.

Requirements

• Prior landscaping and/or construction experience, or willingness and desire to learn and excel in hands-on woods work.
• Possess or be able to acquire basic Red Cross First Aid.
• Experience using a range of landscaping and construction hand tools.
• Students operating chainsaws must have Game of Logging levels I and II certifications; chainsaw experience is not otherwise required.
• Understand and appreciate hazards and safety protocols involved in working in a natural environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver 50 pounds and perform other strenuous activities.
• Ability to work in inclement weather and on uneven terrain.
• Ability to perform duties independently and proactively, and accept direction from the crew boss and/or crew supervisor.
• Valid driver’s license and a motor vehicle record meeting the College’s approved-driver standard.
• Must provide proof of health insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Students in Parks & Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation Management, and Sustainability disciplines are encouraged to apply; all students are welcome.
• Chainsaw experience is helpful, though not required for crew members who do not operate chainsaws.

Responsibilities

• Help create, redesign, and upgrade trails.
• Repair and construct existing lean-tos and cabins on College lands and, as contracted, for private individuals or companies.
• Assist with project design and development.
• Estimate project time and material costs.
• Use and maintain tools properly.
• Consider impacts on the natural environment, ecosystems, and visitor experience.
• Apply sustainability and accessibility considerations to the work.
• Work with the Forest Operations crew when needed.

Benefits

• Housing may be available in Paul Smith’s College dorms during the summer months.
• Advancement opportunities are available.
• Students may be able to continue in their positions during academic semesters, subject to workload and good academic standing.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed