BREAKNECK RIDGE TRAIL STEWARD POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Breakneck Ridge Trail Stewards will provide
information about hiking and the responsible use
of trails. They provide the public with
educational information that will ensure the safe
enjoyable use of hiking trails in the
area. Trail Stewards will provide outreach and
education in reference to the regulations, and
traditions of Hudson Highlands State Park.
They work to encourage the best behavior on the
part of hikers, to facilitate a positive trail
experience (particularly for those who are poorly
prepared). They discourage and mitigate misuse of
the trails and the surrounding lands by
performing educational and public-relations functions.
The three or four Trail Stewards will share
coverage to assure that one steward will be
available at the Breakneck Ridge parking area and
one will be available on the Breakneck Ridge
trail every Saturday and Sunday and Monday
Holiday from Memorial Day weekend through
Columbus Day. This will allow for the occasional
weekend off for an individual steward. Stewards
must be able to work both independently with
minimal supervision and cooperatively as a member
of a team. Applicants should demonstrate the
interest and ability to contribute to the
public-service effort of working to promote the
responsible use of hiking trails, volunteerism
and membership in the Trail Conference. They
should possess the required skills listed below
and be able to attend required training.
Applicants must demonstrate maturity,
responsibility, initiative, and self-motivation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Meet and greet the public and educate
them about the best practices of hiking and how to be prepared.
· Introduce trail users to the Trail
Conference and Leave No Trace hiking methods.
· Advise visitors and hikers of state and local regulations.
· Perform trail maintenance and pick up
litter on the Trail, and at Trailhead parking areas.
· Assist visitors and hikers whenever
possible; assist emergency-response agencies when requested.
· Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and
abuse of the trails (including vandalism,
vagrancy, forest fires, beer and liquor parties,
suspicious persons, vehicles, etc.)
Required Skills
· Commitment to Trail- and resource-protection efforts
· Proven ability to work alone with minimal supervision
· Excellent communication, diplomacy and education skills
· Ability to interact with the public under stressful conditions
· Extensive hiking experience and the
ability to hike steep terrain for several hours
Desired Skills
· Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles
· Previous trail volunteer experience
· Knowledge of the Trail Conference and
hiking in the New York Metropolitan region
· Current first-aid and CPR certification
(Wilderness First-Aid certification is preferable)
· Familiarity with use of smartphone
· Understanding of Twitter and Facebook
mobile applications and knowledge in their use
· Work with Trail Conference social media
team to provide updates and information from the mountain
Application
To apply, please submit all of the following
items via email attachments (start all attachment
filenames with your last name) to <mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]
1. Resume
2. Cover letter addressing why you are
interested in this position and why we should be interested in you.
All application materials will be kept
confidential. The position is available until filled.
Candidate interviews will begin immediately. No calls please.
