Contact Name: Victoria Finn
Company/Organization/Agency: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Address: 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430 United States
Email Address: vfinn@nynjtc.org
Contact Phone: (201) 874-9356
Job Title: Trail Crew Member: AmeriCorps Position
Job Description: The Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides great opportunities for outdoor lovers to become leaders in environmental conservation. AmeriCorps members will spend their 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. Members of the TCCC trail program will serve on crews of four to eight, building and renovating primitive trails alongside dynamic community volunteers. Projects typically entail intensive labor and site modification (soil excavation, quarrying and moving large rocks) to produce quality trails that minimize long-term environmental impact while providing safe and enjoyable access to the recreating public.
Thousands of hikers enjoy the trails our TCCC members have built and restored.
Program Overview:
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 an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the term of service. 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.
Service Location: One of several sites across New York’s Lower Hudson Valley: Harriman, Hudson Highlands, and Sterling Forest State Parks or locations in Morris County, New Jersey
Term of Service: A minimum of 900 hours between May 12th and October 28th, Thursday through Monday 40-hour service week. Members are also required to take a 1/2 hour lunch which does not count towards service hours. This is primarily an outdoor position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Building and maintaining high quality hiking and multi-use trails and trail structures, including tread excavation, native stone staircases, and wall construction.
• Training, teaching, overseeing, and motivating volunteers during episodic workdays and topical workshops to ensure quality trail work while improving the Trail Conference’s volunteer skill capacity
• Filling out and submitting weekly timesheets, project accomplishments, and volunteer paperwork
• Documenting project accomplishments; take and participate in photos to document and promote crew work and achievements
• Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement
Skills and Attributes Required:
• Ability to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain including ability to lift and carry heavy loads up to 50 pounds and hike 5 miles on uneven terrain
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in primitive settings in all weather conditions
• Durable sense of humor, enthusiasm, and work ethic
• Ability to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment under challenging conditions
• Ability to motivate, teach, and work with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle
• A love of and commitment to the outdoors
Preferred Skills and Attributes:
• Outdoor work/volunteering experience, especially on trails or in primitive settings
• Experience working with and teaching volunteer individuals and groups
• Leadership experience, especially of small teams from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with using photos and social media to promote social causes
• Comfort with data tracking and entry
Benefits
• Build/maintain long lasting trails in beautiful locations
• Gain trail building skills and experience including grip hoist rigging, dry masonry and trail structures, rock drilling and splitting,
tread and drainage, and design and layout
• Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles
• Training and experience in teaching and working with volunteers, public outreach, and teamwork
• Valuable leadership opportunities
• Valuable professional development and networking opportunities
• Opportunity to serve local communities and the public by making a difference in the environment and improving habitats in a tangible way
• Eligible for SNAP (food stamp) benefits
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance of $708.33 (returning TC members $791.67); $8,500 total (returning TC members $9,500)
• Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the term of service totaling $3,172.50
• Become a member of the dynamic AmeriCorps community
• Free, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park on a first-come first-served basis; a short drive to transit to access NYC and surrounding areas (COVID-19 restrictions dependent)
• Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
Job Start Date: 5/12/2022
Application Deadline: 4/20/2022
Additional Information: To apply go to www.nynjtc.org/corps-positions