Individual Placement - Trail Steward
About The Position
The Finger Lakes Regional Trail Steward supports maintenance and construction of historic trail systems in New York State Parks in the Finger Lakes Region, including rehabilitation of historic paths, stonework, and bridges and construction of new trails and trail infrastructure. The steward helps connect local community volunteers with trail improvement and natural resource protection efforts and works alongside trail-building and conservation professionals. The position provides hands-on training and experience in trail building and maintenance, project coordination, and conservation stewardship. The position is based in Trumansburg, New York, and is hosted by Finger Lakes State Parks, NYS OPRHP. Work is primarily in a front-country setting, though emergency services may be delayed by 1–2 hours. Public interaction is regular; public transportation is limited or unavailable, and cell reception may be spotty or unavailable. The schedule runs January 25, 2027, through November 24, 2027, at 40 hours per week. Shared housing is provided in a multi-bedroom residence at Taughannock Falls State Park. This is a full-time SCA AmeriCorps member position requiring 1,700 AmeriCorps service hours. Compensation includes a $500 weekly living allowance and a $7,395 education award upon successful program completion. Members are eligible for free health insurance and AmeriCorps childcare assistance, and may qualify for federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment. Allowances are subject to applicable taxes.
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 after an offer.
- Submit timesheets weekly or biweekly through SCA’s timekeeping system and submit weekly output reports; member narratives are collected monthly.
- Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle operated.
- Have at least three years of state-permitted and licensed driving experience and be at least 21 years old to drive an SCA motor vehicle.
- Provide a state driver’s abstract, pass New York State OPRHP driver training, pass an MVR check upon hire or re-hire and annually thereafter, and pass SCA driver training, including online and behind-the-wheel assessment components.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and construct historic trail systems in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State Parks, including rehabilitating historic paths, stonework, and bridges.
- Assist in building new trails and trail infrastructure.
- Perform trail maintenance and construction under agency staff 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 about sustainable trail work and natural areas protection.
- Maintain tools and equipment.
- Drive an SCA motor vehicle as required.
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 at Taughannock Falls State Park, with parking, storage, full kitchen and dining area, two bathrooms, washer and dryer, and yard with pond
- Defensive driving training
- First Aid/CPR and Wilderness First Aid training
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
