Maintenance Assistant

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation; Haines Falls (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in New York’s Catskill region seeks an outdoor trail worker. The role requires performing trail work in variable weather, navigating uneven terrain, and lifting up to 50 lbs while using tools and equipment daily.

Projects are in Catskill Forest Preserve lands and other state lands within Region 4, with backcountry and front country sites. A Game of Logging course for chainsaw certification is required; valid NYS driver license; this hourly appointment

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time maintenance or mechanical work under supervision.
• Alternatively, completion of NYS CSEA-P Applied Skilled Trades Certificate Program with 288 hours of training.
• Must have a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Proper use and daily maintenance of tools, gear and equipment.
• Transporting tools, gear, equipment, and materials to and from sites.
• Performing various trail work tasks for extended periods.
• Hiking daily to and from work sites.
• Snow removal in Forest Preserve parking lots.
• Wearing PPE and maintaining a clean, safe workspace.
• Driving a State vehicle daily and maintaining the vehicle.

Job description

Duties Description
Will be required to perform trail work effectively and safely in a variety of outdoor weather conditions, demonstrate an attentiveness to detailed projects and possess critical thinking skills for problem solving project components. The position requires work on uneven and steep terrain, and carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment up to 50 lbs. Project locations will vary but are focused within Catskill Forest Preserve Lands of Greene County, other State Lands and Campgrounds within Region 4 with a mix of backcountry and front country work site. Candidate will take Game of Logging course to become chainsaw certified.
Description
Duties Description
Will be required to perform trail work effectively and safely in a variety of outdoor weather conditions, demonstrate an attentiveness to detailed projects and possess critical thinking skills for problem solving project components. The position requires work on uneven and steep terrain, and carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment up to 50 lbs. Project locations will vary but are focused within Catskill Forest Preserve Lands of Greene County, other State Lands and Campgrounds within Region 4 with a mix of backcountry and front country work site. Candidate will take Game of Logging course to become chainsaw certified.
Primary Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Proper use and daily maintenance of tools/gear/equipment for projects
• Transporting tools, gear, equipment, and materials to & from work sites
• Performing various types of trail work for extended periods of time
• Hiking daily to and from work sites
• Painting boundary lines within the Forest Preserve
• Educating the public when approached on the work being done.
• Submitting timecards accurately and punctually
• Driving a provided State vehicle daily and maintaining a clean work vehicle
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workplace
• Wearing the proper PPE during work tasks
• Work closely with the Regional Trails Specialist on regional trail project execution
• Snow removal in Forest Preserve parking lots
  

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Non-competitive: Two years of full-time experience in maintenance or mechanical work under the supervision of a skilled tradesperson; OR completion of an appropriate two-year technical school course at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services,such as the New York State Civil Service Employees Association-Partnership (NYS CSEA-P) Applied Skilled Trades Certificate Program*; or an equivalent combination of experience and training gained by completion of appropriate technical courses at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services.

• Successful completion of the NYS CSEA-P Applied Skilled Trades Certificate Program includes a total of 288 hours of trade-specific classroom instruction, 45 hours of technical math course work, 45 hours of technical communications course work, and 15 hours of blueprint/schematic reading course work. It does not include 4,000 hours of on-the-job training, as required for the NYS CSEA-P Applied Skilled Trades
  

Traineeship.
When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess and maintain a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.
Additional Comments
This is a hourly appointment currently funded through 3/31/2027, with a likelihood of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.
Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Overtime may be required.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: [e-mail].
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).