Individual Placement - Trail Steward

Finger Lakes Region SCA Trail Stewards 

 

Position Summary 

Finger Lakes Regional Trail Stewards focus on the maintenance and construction of historic trail systems within the Finger Lakes Region of the NYS Parks, rehabilitating historic paths, stonework, and bridges. In addition, stewards assist in the building of new trails and trail infrastructure. Stewards also help to connect volunteers within local communities with the trail improvement and natural resource protection efforts of their regional state parks. Stewards will receive on the ground training and direct experience in trail building and maintenance, project coordination, and conservation stewardship skills, while working directly with trail building and conservation professionals.

 

Hosting Organization

Finger Lakes State Parks, NYS OPRHP

 

 

Location 

Trumansburg, NY

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

 

 

Schedule 

January 25, 2027 - November 24, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Finger Lakes Regional Trail Stewards focus on the maintenance and construction of historic trail systems within the Finger Lakes Region of the NYS Parks, rehabilitating historic paths, stonework, and bridges. In addition, stewards assist in the building of new trails and trail infrastructure. Stewards also help to connect volunteers within local communities with the trail improvement and natural resource protection efforts of their regional state parks. Stewards will receive on the ground training and direct experience in trail building and maintenance, project coordination, and conservation stewardship skills, while working directly with trail building and conservation professionals.

 

Marginal Duties 

Perform trail maintenance and construction tasks both under the supervision of agency staff and independently. Assist the Finger Lakes trail crew in the completion of 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. Coordinate volunteer trail projects and events. Serve as a public liaison for the Finger Lakes regional trail crew; educate park patrons on sustainable trail work and natural areas protection. Tool and equipment maintenance.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the mid-point of a members’ term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members’ end of service.
• Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system,
• ADP Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Orientation.
• Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report. This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member.

To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Being at least 18 years or older
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• The position requires stewards to work outside during all seasons, sometimes in inclement weather
• Lift and carry heavy objects over long distances
• Stand for extended periods of time; utilize both hand and power tools
• Engage with repetitive physical tasks.
• Applicants must be able to meet the physical demands of the work.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Shared housing in a multi-bedroom residence located within Taughannock Falls State Park. House includes parking; storage; full kitchen with dining area; two bathrooms; washer and drier; and expansive yard with pond.

 

Compensation  

• Compensation: (weekly living allowance): $500/week
• Minimum AmeriCorps Award: Full-Time Award AmeriCorps Hours Requirement: 1700 hours
• Education Award amount upon successful completion of program: $7,395
• Healthcare coverage: Eligible for free health insurance
• Childcare coverage: Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.

SCA provides the following training opportunities to members: 

• Member AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Leave No Trace Level 1
• ACA Level 1 Canoe Training
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)
• Professional Development & Job Readiness
• Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River

List any additional training/service opportunities offered by the host site:

• On the job training in trail design and layout; safe hand and power tool use; stone work and carpentry techniques; rigging for trail work; volunteer coordination; and basic GIS and mapping.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

 

Driving

Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the NY OPRHP, you must:

Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.

Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)

Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training

 

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
• Have a minimum of three years of state permitted and licensed driving experience.
• Be a minimum of 21 years old.
• Complete and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
• Able to complete and pass SCA’s driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.

 

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Wilderness First Aid Training
• Health Insurance
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.