PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to become leaders in environmental conservation. Industry experts train our AmeriCorps crews in sustainable trail building, invasive species management, public outreach, volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership to provide vital resources to the parks you enjoy. Corps Members will receive a living stipend for their service and are eligible for education awards through our partnership with AmeriCorps.

POSITION SUMMARY

Our TCCC Trail Stewards have been providing face-to-face education and sustainable, on-the-ground solutions to some of the region's most popular outdoor destinations since 2013. They play a vital role in educating the public on park regulations, safety, preparedness, and responsible recreation practices. In addition to their educational efforts, Stewards contribute to trail improvement projects, including trail maintenance, construction, and invasive species management. They also lead interpretive hikes and workshops that emphasize Leave No Trace principles, natural history, and ecological stewardship. Trail Steward Crew Leaders support the Program Coordinator with pre- and post-season planning, data analysis, reporting, and partner coordination. They support Crew Members by fostering a strong work ethic, delegating tasks, providing guidance, and ensuring protocols are followed.

LOCATIONS

Trail Stewards are assigned to one of two crews in New York: Lower Hudson Valley Region, which includes popular and heavily visited trailheads and trails, or the Catskill Forest Preserve, where they work in remote, high-elevation environments.

TERM OF SERVICE

(There are multiple options for service, but priority will be given to those who can serve 1,200/900 hours)

• Three-Quarter Time (3QT): Minimum of 1,200-hours service term, April 1st through November 14th 
• Half-Time (HT): Minimum of 900-hours service term, May 7th through October 24th
• Reduced Half Time (RHT): Minimum of 675-hours service term, May 21nd through September 26th
• Quarter Time (QT): Minimum of 450-hours service term; May 21nd through August 15th

Work week is Wednesday through Sunday. Weekend and holiday work is required. Members must take a 1/2-hour lunch which does not count toward service hours. This outdoor position includes a variety of weather conditions. Members are required to wear a provided uniform.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The Trail Conference greatly values the Corps Members’ experience, in parentheses are approximate values of the training and service that will be provided, free of charge.

• Free, as needed, rustic, lakeside housing within Harriman State Park or a shared rental house in the Catskill Forest Preserve provided from May 5th - October 25th ($5,000 for HT, $3,300 for RHT, $2,500 for QT)
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance of:
  • 3QT: $1,093.75, or $17,500 total
  • HT: $941.54, or $11,500 total (returning members $1,023.42; $12,500 total)
  • RHT: $936.08, or $8,625 total (returning members $1,017.47; $9,375 total)
  • QT: $925.33, or $5,750 total (returning members $1,005.79; $6,250 total)

• Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the term totaling:
  • 3QT: $5,176.50
  • HT: $3,697.50
  • RHT: $2,817.14
  • QT: $1,956.35
• Certification in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED ($285) and Leave No Trace (Level 1 Instructor Course $189)
• Networking and career development opportunities with environmental professionals including one-on-one resume workshops ($250)
• Training and experience in leadership, teaching, working with volunteers, public outreach, and teamwork
• Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
• Eligible for SNAP benefits ($570 for HT, $380 for RHT, $285 for QT)
• Total Approximate Value of Stipend, Education Award, and Services:
  • 3QT: $29,160.50
  • HT: $22,491.50 (returning members $23,491.50)
  • RHT: $15,846.14 (returning members $16,596.14)
  • QT: $11,215.35 (returning members $11,715.35)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a welcoming and engaging presence for visitors at trailheads, out on trails, and at summits
• Educate visitors on responsible recreation through Leave No Trace principles
• Familiarize visitors with park regulations
• Use hand tools to build and maintain high quality hiking trails and trail structures
• Support lost/injured hikers and emergency-response agencies whenever possible
• Collect trail user data and submit weekly reports
• Lead stewardship activities such as workshops and nature interpretation hikes
• Work collaboratively with partners, other TCCC members, and volunteers on trail management projects
• Members may not engage in Prohibited Activities outlined in AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement
• Leader Only Specifics:
  • Assist Program Coordinator with pre- and post-season planning, scheduling, and partner coordination
  • Oversee and help train a team of 6 to 10 members, primarily independently, to encourage good work ethic, provide support and guidance, ensure protocols are followed, and delegate tasks
  • Collect, compile, analyze, and share weekly trail user data and the team’s accomplishments in the form of social media posts, monthly reports, mid-season, and end-of-season reports
  • Leader Only Specifcs: 
    • Assist Project Manager with pre- and post-season responsibilities, including planning, preparation of summary sheets, field work, partner coordination, acquiring permits, participating in working groups, and data and report finalization
    • Oversee crew of six members, often independently after training, to encourage good work ethic, provide support, ensure safety protocols are followed, delegate tasks, and ensure quality control
    • Track inventory and alert Project Manager if supplies need to be replenished or equipment is broken

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; interest in engaging with all types of park visitors
• Ability to perform manual labor and hike up to 6-8 miles per day over rough terrain with a heavy pack
• Comfort working outdoors in all types of weather and conditions
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites

BONUS POINTS

• A passion for hiking and outdoor education
• Backpacking, camping, and/or outdoor field work experience
• Outreach, public speaking, or teaching experience
• Ability to speak conversational Spanish

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.

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. We pledge to uphold equality in our hiring and employment practices and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work.