Live and Serve with a team of like-minded conservationists performing critical outdoor conservation projects. As a member of the Adirondacks team you will serve the land by carrying out such responsibilities as, trail construction and maintenance, invasive species management, campground rehabilitation and historic preservation and restoration. In addition to these important duties, SCA will also help you to develop skills for a future in conservation by leading you in our Nationally Recognized Conservation Work Skills training. Members live and serve in remote backcountry settings for up to 10 days at a time, or from front country base camps depending upon project. Members will have shared housing with other SCA members when not in the field on projects. Perform outdoor conservation projects, 85%; receive training, 15%.
Service Activities
Members of the Adirondack AmeriCorps program uses traditional trail skills, restoration techniques, carpentry skills, and hard labor to complete an array of projects aimed at protecting and enhancing the lands and cultural resources of Adirondack Park. Members also gain valuable professional connections with NYSDEC, extensive technical skills, and leadership experience.
Community Need Addressed
SCA Adirondack AmeriCorps partners with the DEC to address the conservation needs of the Adirondack region. This program provides valuable assistance to the NYS DEC with achieving their goals and responsibilities in managing the land within the Adirondack Park through completion of priority conservation service projects that would otherwise not get done. Annually, members directly contribute upwards of 16,000 hours of direct service to public lands. The park is frequented by 7 to 10 million tourists a year
Position Outcomes
SCA members will provide much-needed assistance in improving the access to and protection of natural, cultural and recreational resources in the Adirondack Park. SCA Members will help to ensure the future integrity of the Adirondack Park by creating new trail; repairing damages to trail structure caused by age or storm damage; building and repairing bridges; removing invasive plants that threaten the biodiversity of the park; creating and improving handicap accessible trails; restoring campsites etc. Members will participate in approximately 60 environmental stewardship projects. Members will create or improve at least 20 miles of trail (blow down removal, brushing, tread maintenance, etc.) and Members will build approximately 1600 feet of trail structures (bridges, boardwalks, bog-bridging, drainage structures, stepping stones...) Members will improve or restore at least 50 Acres of land (invasive plant removal, fence construction, campsite closure and restoration) Other Priority conservation projects will be completed as need is determined by the DEC’ land managers throughout the season.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Professional Development training related to this program include: Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Chainsaw Safety and Use (Game of Logging), Trail Construction and Maintenance, Basic Rigging, Conflict Resolution, Communication, and Leadership, Leave No Trace, SCA canoe training, backcountry camping, and much more.
Education Benefits
College Degree
Opportunities to obtain certifications in Wilderness Advanced First Aid, SCA's nationally recognized work skills training, Game of Logging Levels 1 and 2, SCA's rigging training, and Leave No Trace Trainer are provided
Skills you will gain
New Trail Construction, Tread and Drainage Construction, Stone Construction, Timber Construction, Tool Use and Maintenance, SCA Vehicle Driver Training & Safety, Rigging, SCA Canoe Training, Backcountry Camp Setup, Leave No Trace, Fall and Harness Training, Advanced Wilderness First Aid, GOL Chainsaw Levels 1 and 2
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment