What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trail Crews/ Trail Stewards/Invasive Strike Force: TC Conservation Corps/AmeriCorps position at New York-New Jersey Trail Conference?
Conservation Corps Crew Member (Trails, Trail Stewards & Invasive Strike Force)
Trail Conference Conservation Corps (AmeriCorps)
Locations: Lower Hudson Valley & Catskill Forest Preserve, NY
Term of Service Options
- Three-Quarter-Time (TQT) 1200 hr (April 1-November 13)- 6 Leader positions
- For other terms, priority given to candidates available for 900-hour terms, though reduced options are available:
- Half-Time (HT): 900 hours (May 14- through October 31)
- Reduced Half-Time (RHT): 675 hours (May 14- September 19)
- Quarter-Time (QT): 450 hours (May 14- August 8)
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Program Overview
The Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides hands-on opportunities for emerging environmental professionals to develop skills in trail construction, public land stewardship, and invasive species management. Through AmeriCorps service, members receive professional training, a living stipend, an education award, and direct experience working with land managers across New York’s most iconic public lands .
Get more information and apply online at: https://www.nynjtc.org/trail-conference-conservation-positions/
Position Summary
TCCC Corps Members serve on specialized crews focused on sustainable trail building, visitor education and stewardship, or invasive species management. Depending on assignment, members may construct and maintain trails, educate park visitors, lead volunteer projects, manage invasive plants, and collect ecological data. All positions emphasize teamwork, outdoor leadership, and conservation best practices.
Members work in small crews under experienced supervisors and may collaborate with volunteers, agency partners, and the public.
Crew Focus Areas
Assignments are based on program needs, experience, and interest:
- Trail Crew: Build and restore sustainable hiking trails using hand tools and native stone, including staircases, drainage features, and retaining walls .
- Trail Stewards: Serve as front-line educators at popular trailheads, promoting Leave No Trace principles, visitor safety, and responsible recreation while supporting trail maintenance projects.
- Invasives Strike Force: Conduct manual and chemical invasive species management, collect field data, create maps, and assist with ecological monitoring and reporting.
Locations
- Lower Hudson Valley State Parks and Preserves (including Harriman, Bear Mountain, Sterling Forest, Hudson Highlands)
- Catskill Forest Preserve (for Steward assignments)
- Southern New York project sites (for Invasives Strike Force)
Schedules vary slightly by crew but typically include 40-hour work weeks with required weekend work. All positions are outdoors in variable weather conditions.
Compensation & Benefits
- Bi-weekly living allowance: approx. $17,500 total (TQT; prorated for shorter terms)
- AmeriCorps Education Award: up to $5,220 upon successful completion (TQT; prorated for shorter terms)
- Free rustic housing provided as needed
- Certifications & training, which may include:
- Wilderness First Aid / CPR / AED
- Leave No Trace Instructor or Trainer
- NY Pesticide Apprentice Training (ISF members)
- Professional development: networking, resume workshops, career mentoring
- Student loan forbearance & interest payment
- SNAP eligibility
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities vary by assignment but may include:
- Trail construction, maintenance, and stonework
- Visitor education and public outreach
- Leading volunteer workdays and workshops
- Invasive plant management (manual and chemical)
- Field data collection, mapping, and reporting
- Supporting emergency response when appropriate
- Documentation of project outcomes through photos and reports
Required Qualifications
- Passion for environmental conservation and outdoor work
- Ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork (hiking long distances, lifting up to 50 lbs depending on role)
- Comfort working outdoors in varied weather and terrain
- Strong teamwork, reliability, and willingness to learn
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
- Must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements (age 18 , HS diploma/GED, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, pass background checks)
Preferred / Bonus Qualifications
- Experience hiking, camping, or working outdoors
- Public speaking, teaching, or volunteer leadership experience
- Interest in ecology, plant identification, or natural resource management
- GIS or data collection experience (ISF roles)
How to Apply
Get more information and apply online at: https://www.nynjtc.org/trail-conference-conservation-positions/
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
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.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $468.00 - $563.00 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $468 - $563