Thousand Islands Region Trail and Conservation Steward
New York’s Thousand Islands Region is seeking enthusiastic Trails and Conservation Stewards for the 2023 season. Apply to be a SCA New York State Parks Corps member today!
About the NYS Parks Corps: Service activities range from providing environmental education and interpretation, to trail restoration, wildlife management, and organizing volunteer events. All 21 Parks Corps members will gather regularly in Central NY for SCA trainings and other professional development opportunities as they arise. (**See Covid caveat above for potential exceptions to 2023 events) Members share housing in groups of 1-4 members per location. NYS Parks Corps members serve under the direction of regional Parks staff to assist in accomplishing the mission of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources.
This position is located in New York’s Thousand Islands Region, with housing in Henderson, NY within Westcott Beach State Park.
Purpose of the Position: The Thousand Islands is a favorite place of many visitors during warm months, and its State Parks have a need to construct/maintain sustainable trails, contain the spread of invasive species, and complete other conservation projects. Due to the rural and highly seasonal nature of the area, these parks struggle to fit these types of projects into a work schedule already filled with routine park operations. Members of this crew serve to fill that gap and ensure the 25+ public lands along Eastern Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, and Northern Lake Champlain can continue to be enjoyed for generations.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities: This team of four members live and work together, engaging in service consistent with the mission and guiding principles of NYS OPRHP. The focus areas are trail construction and maintenance, hazard tree removals, invasive plant species management, habitat restoration, and outdoor structure building. Examples of work and responsibilities include:
- Spend 5-day (Monday-Friday) hitches working and camping at various parks throughout the region, returning to shared apartment for days off. Occasional 6-day work week or weekend work required for special events.
- Learn and apply the principles of sustainable trail design, the skills to construct and maintain trails, and the importance of trail development as a resource management tool in sensitive areas.
- Learn the harmful effects of invasive plant and insect species, proper local identification, and the challenges involved with removing them.
- Learn GIS mapping techniques and collect data for trails and stewardship projects.
- Learn navigation and safely operate an open bow outboard boat to and from remote island Parks.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: To confidently lead a group of peers through field work in varying weather, project scopes, level of staff support, supervision, etc. on a rotating basis.
Goal 2: To gain arborist skills applicable to trails, recreation, and public hazards (within training level provided), through the proper use and maintenance of mid-size chainsaws.
Goal 3: To learn and apply principles and skills of sustainable trail design, construction, and maintenance.
Goal 4: To learn the negative effects of and the management challenges posed by invasive plant and insect species, applying knowledge to hands-on projects.
Candidate Qualifications:
Valid driver license for at least three years.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Personal vehicle & valid U.S. Driver's Licence