New York Corps- Parks and Trails Assistant
: Job Details :

Position SummaryScenic Hudson's mission is to sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley's inspirational beauty and health for generations to come. Founded in 1963 to save iconic Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project, Scenic Hudson is credited with launching the modern grassroots environmental movement. Today, with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group in the region. The Parks and Community Engagement Team at Scenic Hudson works to: •Connect people to the Hudson River and the inspirational natural beauty and health of the Hudson Valley •Make our parks models of environmental stewardship that meet the needs of communities they serve. •Preserve the natural value of our parks and preserves, while creating and maintaining safe places for all to enjoy.Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvide land stewardship to Scenic Hudson's Parks and Properties by weekly visitation and monitoring, and assist with park maintenance related projects. Work will include frequent and regular visitation to Scenic Hudson parks (75% independently, 25% supervised) to ensure a high level of cleanliness and order. This includes routine visitation to inspect and maintain park gateways, trail systems, infrastructure, and other public amenities, requiring the use of hand and power tools. When in the field, the Parks and Trails Assistant is expected to engage visitors in a friendly manner to answer questions and to provide basic information about Scenic Hudson's mission and the ecological and historical resources at SH parks. The assistant will monitor trail conditions and develop work orders that will be entered into our database. They will communicate any issues found in the field to other parks team members, and report findings and work outcomes at weekly team meetings. The candidate will also assist with Scenic Hudson programming and events that may require them to work occasional evening and weekend hours. Routine visitation of Scenic Hudson parks will include work such as (60% of work): -ensure informational kiosks are clean of debris and dirt -regularly monitor and maintain all park trails -inspect and repair infrastructure (i.e., benches, bridges, boardwalks, kiosks, entry signs) -respond to issues of vandalism and graffiti -learn to identify park and trail improvement projects and work with field staff to implement them -Assist with the management of parks and other lands owned by Scenic Hudson including, but not limited to, removing potential safety hazards, monitoring and securing boundaries, mowing and gateway maintenance, etc. -work with members of the Climate, Science and Stewardship Team to help control invasive plants -Administrative organization (timesheets, meetings, etc.), safety training, entering field observations into our work log (20%) -Assist with public events and programming in Scenic Hudson parks when needed (10%) -Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (10%) Marginal DutiesGoal 1: Cultivate skills in project and time management, including but not limited to work order list management, communication and organization, office duties (time sheets, emails, project follow ups, team meetings, and reporting field inspections/observations). Goal 2: Learn how to monitor, identify, and fix trail maintenance issues, use the proper hand/power tools and equipment correctly, and work effectively with staff and volunteers to improve trail conditions. Goal 3: Through professional development (working within the SCA network and the Scenic Hudson work experience), develop a plan for post-internship employment. Required Qualifications•Valid driver's license of at least 3 years with a clean driving record. •Minimum of Associate's Degree or one year's work in the field of environmental science; land, natural or recreational resource management or related field •Ability to perform physical work outdoors in a variety of settings including urban and semi-remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group. •Interest in recreation resource management, trail work, and public access issues •Must be physically able to walk 4+ miles a day over varied terrain and lift up to 50 lbs. •Position requires frequent exposure to potentially harmful biotic factors including poison ivy, stinging & biting insects and ticks carrying Lyme disease. •Applicant must provide their own transportation. •Applicant will be required to use their personal vehicle to travel to office, workshop, and occasionally to job sites (will be reimbursed at the IRS standard reimbursement rate).Preferred Qualifications•Concise verbal, written, and interpersonal communication •Ability to work within a team setting as well as independently •Positive attitude and a desire to be a steward of the environment •Basic skill using carpentry and landscaping hand tools •Desire to learn and hone new skills •Candidate must be comfortable working and driving independently throughout 10 counties to various parks •Previous experience working in public lands, parks and preserves, natural resource fieldwork, landscaping, carpentry, or leading volunteer groups is helpful •Basic small engine mechanics, trail maintenance, invasive species identification, and GIS experience are all a plus •Ability to speak conversational Spanish a plus AgeAdults 18 or olderCompensationAmount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member's term of service: $7,395 Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $400/week, and $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance Childcare coverage (if applicable): 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. Describe professional, personal, or service-related member development activities and training to be provided for member: AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation SCA Risk Management Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace SCA Driver's Safety Training Mental Health First Aid Training Wilderness First Aid & CPR Environmental Education Curriculum Environmental Leadership Institute New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events Hudson River Ecology Leave No Trace Trainer Course Professional Development & Job Readiness Living AccommodationsMember will be responsible for finding their own housingAdditional BenefitsFirst Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid Training