Internship-Natural Resource Steward-Cranberry Lake

Program Dates: June 17th - Oct 7th

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.

Program Description:

Calling all hikers! Come help protect the scenic Adirondack Park while gaining valuable conservation skills by becoming a Natural Resource Steward!

* This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps. If you are selected for this program please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process. No travel allowance will be offered for this position even if it is stated on your confirmation of acceptance.*

The Student Conservation Association, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, seeks to place an intern working in Cranberry Lake Wild Forest and the Five Ponds Wilderness Area.

This intern will work for a duration of 16 weeks along personnel from NYSDEC on projects that help preserve and protect these unique natural resources. This position includes a $160 weekly stipend and a $570 monthly housing allowance. This intern will be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award at the completion of their service.

Objective/Targets:

• Provide information to recreational users and reduce negative impacts to the Forest Preserve

• Improve safety of recreational users and maintenance of facilities

• Reduce the risk of unattended / escaped campfires

• Perform campsite assessments, campsite, and trail maintenance

Member Duties and Responsibilities:

• Educating the public on proper use of public lands

• Providing information on trail conditions, parking and Rules and Regulations

• Provide information on Leave No Trace principles and low impact hiking and camping

• Notifying the Forest Ranger and Forester with respect to potential problems such as those involving hazardous trail conditions, public use, and emergencies they encounter

• Performing minor trail maintenance such as removing blowdown, installing trail markers, cleaning drainage structures, and working with other staff as directed

• Perform minor primitive campsite maintenance such as cleaning up trash, cleaning fire rings, putting out un-attended campfires, and re-locating privies

• Monitoring human visitation patterns

• Performing campsite and trail assessments

• Recording GPS data

• Performing first aid and CPR in emergencies

• Providing support for existing volunteer networks

• Work with the Assistant Forest Ranger to patrol Cranberry Lake primitive campsites in a motorboat

Member Benefits:

Member Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Must have a valid driver's license

• Must have a personal vehicle

• Must be a Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Residing Alien of the US

• Must have ankle high hiking boots with lug sole and own camping gear - backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook stove, water filter, rain gear, orienteering-style compass, etc

• Must be physically capable of performing field work common to the assigned work area over rough terrain and during inclement weather

Required Skills:

• Ability to navigate using a map and compass or GPS

• Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions

• Ability to hike 5-10 miles with a backpack

• Interest in interacting with the public and providing information on sustainable recreation