New York Corps- Feuer Land & Natural Areas Management Assistant

Position Summary

Gain experience in conservation and recreation management working alongside land conservation & management professionals at the 8,000 acre Mohonk Preserve supporting the stewardship of 40-miles of foot trails and 30-miles of a historic carriage roads.

Schedule

January 20, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Member will monitor trail and carriage road conditions and develop work logs that will be entered into our database. They will communicate any issues found in the field to other Preserve team members, and report findings and work outcomes at weekly Preserve team meetings.

When in the field, the Member is expected to engage visitors in a friendly manner to answer questions, describe Mohonk Preserve’s mission and rules, as well as interpret ecological and historical resources. The candidate will also assist with Mohonk Preserve’s events that may require them to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

• Routine maintenance tasks include; regularly monitor and maintain all carriage roads & trails including and perform routine maintenance of swales, culverts, & tread surface; work with members of the Stewardship to help control invasive plants and maintain scenic vistas; inspect and repair infrastructure (i.e., removing potential safety hazards, benches, bridges, boardwalks, kiosks, entry signs); identify trail improvement projects and work with field staff to implement improvements. (50%)
• Assist with the creation of management plans by conducting physical assessments of the trails and carriage roads. This includes but is not limited to collecting data, completing monitoring and inspection reports, etc. (25%)
• Administrative organization (timesheets, reporting, meetings, etc.), safety training, and maintaining field observations into our work log. (Approximately 1 day per week) (10%)
• Assist the Land Stewardship Department with long range maintenance planning projects. (5%)
• Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting. (10%)

Marginal Duties

Goal 1: Cultivate skills in project and time management, including but not limited to work order list management, communication and organization, office duties (time sheets, emails, project follow ups, team meetings, and reporting field inspections/observations).

Goal 2: Learn how to monitor, identify, and fix trail maintenance issues, use the proper hand/power tools and equipment correctly, and work effectively with staff and volunteers to improve trail and carriage road conditions.

Goal 3: Learn how to collect trail and carriage road condition data by conducting field research.

Goal 4: Through professional development (working within the SCA network and the Mohonk Preserve work experience), develop a plan for employment post-internship.

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Those who have a background in Outdoor Recreation, Land and Natural Resource Management, Geography, Forestry, Trail Maintenance, Construction, Carpentry, Equipment Operation or other related fields.
• Trail maintenance, design, and construction techniques for a variety of non-motorized trails preferred.
• Knowledge, experience, and skills in facility maintenance, landscaping, and grounds maintenance.
• Experience in the operation of landscaping equipment such as hand tools, tractor, chainsaw, chipper, backhoe/front-end loader, grader, and other related equipment.
• Ability to utilize various GPS data collection methods; additional training will be provided in GPS data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles.
• Proficient computer skills required; experience with Microsoft Office 365 applications and remote work platforms (Zoom; Teams, etc.) required.
• Must be able to provide personal gear for the day (rain gear, appropriate clothing, hiking boots).
• CPR and First Aid experience is a plus.
• Have a valid driver’s license for 3 years
• Have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve. This includes participating in ongoing education and other work the organization undertakes to develop and incorporate these principles

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. Being personable and enthusiastic, working within a team setting for a common goal as well as being able to work independently is critical. Candidate must be comfortable working in a variety of backcountry environments and weather conditions. Candidates must be willing to participate in manual labor projects, adhere to safety protocols, and complete detailed records. Applicant must have a positive attitude and a desire to enhance the natural world. Must be able to pass vehicle and criminal background checks.

• Previous experience in working on publicly used lands, parks and preserves on trail maintenance and management, natural resource fieldwork, leading volunteer groups, and use of small power tools is helpful.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Member will have a private room in shared housing on the Mohonk Property

Compensation

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395

Amount of Living Allowance member will receive:

$400/week, and

Free housing provided

Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance

Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.

Describe professional, personal, or service-related member development activities and training to be provided for member:

AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation

SCA Risk Management

Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

SCA Driver’s Safety Training

Mental Health First Aid Training

Wilderness First Aid & CPR

Environmental Education Curriculum

Environmental Leadership Institute

New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events

Hudson River Ecology

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Professional Development & Job Readiness

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.