Individual Placement - Conservation Steward

Student Conservation Association; Town of New Paltz (NY); On-site; USD 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Housing allowance

Living allowance

Job summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks a dedicated member for a 10‑month program in Cragsmoor, NY, supporting conservation stewardship, trail work, and public education. You will work with NYS Parks partners, supervise volunteers, and contribute to community outreach while gaining hands‑on field experience.

OE and field training are provided; housing stipend and weekly living allowance help offset living costs.

Qualifications

• Mid-term and end-of-term evaluations conducted by site supervisor.
• Timesheets submitted weekly/bi-weekly via ADP timekeeping system.
• Weekly output reports and monthly narratives are required.
• Participation in quarterly narratives and training programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist and lead conservation stewardship projects (35%), including Fire Monitoring surveys and invasive species work.
• Trail assessment and maintenance (20%), including signage and supervision of NYNJ Trail Conference volunteers.
• Deliver outdoor education and recreation programs for the public and school groups (20%), creating educational content and promoting events.
• Participate in SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, plus project evaluation and reporting (15%).
• Staff the Sam’s Point Visitor Center, assisting patrons and maintaining displays.

Skills

Outdoor leadership

Education outreach

Public engagement

Education

Two years college experience

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands‑on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historic landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

The SCA New York partners with state agencies and non profit organizations across the state of New York. SCA New York members serve in 10-month positions alongside conservation professionals, engaging in conservation stewardship projects and education services for the general public.

• Trailstewardship, including education of visitors on the trail, trail assessment and improvements
• Stewardship fieldwork, including invasives and native species monitoring
• Lead outdoor recreation programs for diverse audiences
• Assist patrons at the Visitor Center and maintain theVisitor Center displays and storage areas
• Attend professional development and trainings
• Various other duties including making and receiving phone calls, cleaning dedicated education work areas, organizing the Visitor Center and picking up litter found while out in the Park Preserve,etc

Hosting Organization

Minnewaska State Park Preserve NYS OPRHP

Location

Cragsmoor, NY

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible.Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

January 25, 2027 - November 19, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

35% Assist and lead conservation stewardship projects. This includes a Fire Monitoring survey, Phenology Trail monitoring, mapping and removing invasive species. This may be done in collaboration with members of the NYS Parks Invasive Species Unit and the Stewardship Coordinator.

20% Trail Assessment and Maintenance. The member will work with park staff and volunteers to assess footpaths in the Park and make improvements to them as needed, including structural repairs such as clearing water bars and building turnpikes. In addition, the member will also assist with educational improvements, such as hanging signs or speaking to patrons about trail use, including acting as a trail steward on busy days. The member may also work on developing various education tools related to trails possibly including signs to be posted at scenic views and Park based descriptions of various hike routes to be posted on our website. The member will also work with their supervisor to assist in supervision of the work of the NYNJ Trail Conference Trail Stewards.

20% Provide outdoor education and recreation programs for the public and school groups. This includesresearching,developingand deliveringeducation programs about the natural and social history of the site as well as creating and distributing promotional materials.The member will seek new audiences for education programs, including but not limited to local libraries,pre-schools,veterans,mobility and cognitively impaired individualsand other audiences. The member will assess all education programs and make any necessary updates to the programs.The member will also lead public recreation programs, such as hikes, year-round. Trail Stewarding/education may be necessary on busy days.

15% Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting.

Marginal Duties

10% Staff the Sam’s Point Visitor Center. This includes but not limited to patron assistance and modest cleaning and maintenance of displays.Patron assistance includes answering phones, staffing the information desk and providing education about Leave No Trace as well as the natural and social history of Minnewaska. Additionally, the member will provide general information about the site, such as accurate directions to points of interest and education about Park policies such as the Carry-In/Carry-Out garbage policy and acceptable use of trails, etc.

Required Qualifications

• Member Evaluation: A Mid-term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the mid-point of a members’ term of service. An End of Term evaluation will be completed by site supervisor at the members’ end of service.
• Reporting Requirements: Members are required to submit timesheets on a Weekly/Bi-weekly basis via SCA’s timekeeping system, ADP
• Monthly Data Reports: Members are required to submit weekly output reports; training is provided at Orientation.
• Quarterly Narrative Reports: Member narratives are collected on a monthly basis in the members’ output report.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid driver license.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• A passion for connecting people with nature.
• Must be at least 18 years of age. o At least two years of college experience in a relevant field

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Being at least 18 years or older
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

Preferred Qualifications

Skills: Coursework in education, environmental studies or related field.

Knowledge: Familiarity with the flora and fauna of New York State.

Training: Specialized training in education such as Project WET and Project WILD considered a plus.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

SCA member receives a monthly $1,000 housing stipend to procure their own housing.

Compensation

• Living allowance: $500/week
• Housing allowance: $1,000/Month

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is required for personal travel.

Driving

Driving an OPRHP Vehicle is required for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the NY OPRHP, you must:

• Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
• Provide your State Driver's Abstract from your State's DMV (reimbursable)
• Pass New York State OPRHP Driver Training

Additional Benefits

• Member AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation: Members will receive an AmeriCorps orientation which includes training on prohibited and unallowable activities, risk management, reporting requirements, benefits, and more
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• Project WILD & Project AQUATIC
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Hudson River Ecology
• Leave No Trace Level 1
• Professional Development & Job Readiness
• Service events including but not limited to: Earth Day/Arbor Day, I Love My Park Day, National Trails Day, Patriots Day of Service and Remembrance, A Day in the Life of the Hudson River
• Health Insurance
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.