Position: NY-NJ Trail Conference AmeriCorps Trail Crew Leaders and Members
Overview: The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is currently selecting trail crew leaders and members. Trail Conference AmeriCorps Trail Crews will work with volunteers in performing trail work in the beautiful and historic Hudson River Valley, the Palisades and Taconic regions of New York State Parks (including the Bear Mountain Trails Project), and in Northern New Jersey. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: -Working as a team building high quality trails -Instructing groups of volunteers in a safe manner -Filling out weekly timesheets, project accomplishments, and volunteer paperwork -Documenting project accomplishments and creating final reports -Volunteer management and recruitment Benefits: -Build long lasting trails in beautiful locations -Classroom and hands on training and experience: Griphoist rigging, dragging, and highlines, rock drilling, splitting, shaping, dry masonry and trail structures, trail tread and drainage, trail design and layout -Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles -Training and experience in volunteer recruitment and retention techniques -Lakeside housing provided (rustic) -Valuable professional and networking opportunities -Making a difference serving the local community and visitors from across the nation -Pre-tax living allowance not to exceed $12,800 for 900 hour positions or $4,260 for 300 hour positions -Upon successful completion of the program, an education award of $2,775 for 900 hour positions or $1,175for 300 hour positions -Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment Skills and Attributes Required: -Trail work and leadership experience preferred -Eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award and ability to follow all AmeriCorps policies and procedures (visit www.americorps.gov for more details) -Must be at least 18 years of age, no upper age limit -Must have a personal vehicle and valid driver license -Durable sense of humor, enthusiasm, and ability to work hard -Ability to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment under challenging conditions -Ability to motivate, teach, and work with people of all ages and backgrounds -Ability to lift and carry heavy loads up to 50 pounds and hike 5 miles on uneven terrain -Ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions Schedule: -900 hour positions are full time May 1 through October 15, 2014 with a five day work week not to exceed 40 hours consisting of 4 days per week in the field and one day in the office. Training will be May 1 through May 19. -300 hour positions are over an 8-11 week period. Work schedule is flexible, but must be performed May 1 through October 15. To Apply please submit the following items via email attachments (start all attachment filenames with your last name) to [email protected] Subject line: Trails AmeriCorps; “Your Last Name”: -Resume -Cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and why we should be interested in you -Contact information for three references Applications accepted until the positions are filled with preference given to those received by February 17, 2014. About Us: The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a federation of member clubs and individuals dedicated to providing recreational hiking opportunities in the region and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a volunteer-directed public service organization committed to: developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails; protecting hiking trail lands through support and advocacy; educating the public in the responsible use of trails and the natural environment. Linda Rohleder, Ph.D. Director of Land Stewardship NY-NJ Trail Conference Mahwah, NJ
