Trail Outreach and Education Steward: AmeriCorps Position

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Do you love the outdoors and want to protect it?
Thinking about a career in the environment? Come join the movement!

The Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides great opportunities for outdoor lovers to become leaders in environmental conservation. Spend your summer outdoors protecting natural resources, gaining valuable experience in the field, and making a difference in conservation!

Our beloved hiking trails are more than just outdoor entertainment, they provide the necessary link between the public and habitat protection, offering essential opportunities to protect plant and animal species. The TCCC Stewards have been educating trail users on the responsible use of parks and trails at the region’s most popular outdoor destinations. Stewards also seek to inspire a deeper appreciation for the care that natural areas require. They are our environmental ambassadors on the ground, informing the public about park regulations, hiker safety and preparedness, responsible use and Leave No Trace Principles. Through their public outreach work, Stewards cultivate volunteers to give back to the parks and trails they love. The TCCC stewards have helped thousands of hikers tread mountains safely while making sure the environment will be protected for years to come.

We are seeking 15 individuals who share our passion for conservation and the outdoors to join us in educating trail users on proper etiquette and safety, performing outreach to schools and at community events, and leading stewardship hikes. Stewards will visit schools and youth camps to help educate the next generation of environmental stewards through workshops on Leave No Trace and other best practices. If you want to be on a team of peers in environmental protection, network with regional leaders in conservation, gain valuable communication skills and experience, a position on the TCCC Stewards crew might be right for you!

Program Description

Our AmeriCorps crews are trained by industry experts in sustainable trail building, invasive species management, public outreach, volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership. You will receive a living stipend for your service and are eligible for education awards through our partnership with AmeriCorps.

Members learn and serve in the greater New York metropolitan region, which features the nation’s finest system of trails outside of a major urban area. From trail construction to habitat restoration to visitor education, you can provide vital resources to the public parks you enjoy. Come help protect the land you love!

Service Location

Lower Hudson Valley of New York

Term of Service

Minimum of 900-hour term of service, May 14 through October 26; Work week is Thursday through Monday; weekend work required. This is primarily an outdoor position and includes periods of multi-day camping.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet and greet and educate the public about hiking best practices and preparedness
• Introduce trail users to the Trail Conference and Leave No Trace principles
• Advise visitors and hikers of applicable state, local, and park regulations
• Assist visitors and hikers whenever possible; including lost and injured hikers and emergency-response agencies when requested
• Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and abuse of the trails
• Promote Trail Conference volunteerism in land stewardship events
• Lead stewardship activities such as workshops and educational hikes
• Assist volunteers on trail projects, including trail building and maintenance
• Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement

Skills and Attributes Required

• Must be a clear communicator, use positive language to educate trail users
• Candidates should be comfortable politely engaging all types of trail users
• Must be able to hike up to 4 miles carrying up to 15 lbs. of equipment over uneven and/or steep terrain
• Must have demonstrated teamwork skills and/or experience leading volunteers
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites
• Must be able to effectively communicate with individuals of all ages
• Applicants need to be willing and able to do some hefty trail work (side-hilling, rock breaking, etc)

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Knowledge of the Trail Conference and hiking in the New York metropolitan region
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles
• Previous trail volunteer experience
• Familiarity with using social media to promote the responsible use of trails
• Preference will be given to bilingual applicants
• Demonstrated outreach skills and teaching experience
• Backpacking experience, camping experience and/or outdoor field work experience

Benefits for Members

• Free, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park, on a first come first served basis
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance; $8,000 total
• Education award of $3,097.50 upon successful completion of the program
• Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
• Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles
• Opportunity to work in a variety of different parks and preserves throughout the region and network with many local park managers and environmental professionals.
• Opportunity to serve local communities and the public by making a difference in the environment and improving habitats in a tangible way
• Recognition as a member of an accomplished AmeriCorps Program

Enrollment Requirements

An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a three-part national service criminal history check of the national sex-offender registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint check; and complete all pre-service orientation and training requirements. Documentation of age, education and citizenship are due by the first day of orientation. Criminal history checks will be initiated before the start of service; an individual will be ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy.

To Apply:

Go to www.nynjtc.org/corpsapplication

For more information, contact Tori Finn, Conservation Corps Manager at vfinn@nynjtc.org

Applications accepted until the positions are filled, with preference given to those received before February 17 th.