We are seeking 15 individuals who share our passion for conservation and the outdoors to join us in educating trail users on proper etiquette and safety, performing outreach to schools and at community events, and leading stewardship hikes. Stewards will visit schools and youth camps to help educate the next generation of environmental stewards through workshops on Leave No Trace and other best practices. If you want to be on a team of peers in environmental protection, network with regional leaders in conservation, gain valuable communication skills and experience, a position on the TCCC Stewards crew might be right for you!
Service Activities
Duties and Responsibilities
• Meet and greet and educate the public about hiking best practices and preparedness
• Introduce trail users to the Trail Conference and Leave No Trace principles
• Advise visitors and hikers of applicable state, local, and park regulations
• Assist visitors and hikers whenever possible; including lost and injured hikers and emergency-response agencies when requested
• Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and abuse of the trails
• Promote Trail Conference volunteerism in land stewardship events
• Lead stewardship activities such as workshops and educational hikes
• Assist volunteers on trail projects, including trail building and maintenance
• Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement
Skills and Attributes Required
• Must be a clear communicator, use positive language to educate trail users
• Candidates should be comfortable politely engaging all types of trail users
• Must be able to hike up to 4 miles carrying up to 15 lbs. of equipment over uneven and/or steep terrain
• Must have demonstrated teamwork skills and/or experience leading volunteers
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites
• Must be able to effectively communicate with individuals of all ages
• Applicants need to be willing and able to do some hefty trail work (side-hilling, rock breaking, etc)
Community Need Addressed
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer-powered nonprofit organization caring for public parks and trails.
When park agencies don’t have the resources for vital needs such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and visitor education, the Trail Conference jumps into action.
Position Outcomes
Our beloved hiking trails are more than just outdoor entertainment, they provide the necessary link between the public and habitat protection, offering essential opportunities to protect plant and animal species. The TCCC Stewards have been educating trail users on the responsible use of parks and trails at the region’s most popular outdoor destinations. Stewards also seek to inspire a deeper appreciation for the care that natural areas require. They are our environmental ambassadors on the ground, informing the public about park regulations, hiker safety and preparedness, responsible use and Leave No Trace Principles. Through their public outreach work, Stewards cultivate volunteers to give back to the parks and trails they love. The TCCC stewards have helped thousands of hikers tread mountains safely while making sure the environment will be protected for years to come.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Housing, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Benefits for Members
• Free, as needed, rustic cabin housing at a local park, on a first come first served basis
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance; $8,000 total
• Education award of $3,097.50 upon successful completion of the program
• Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment
• Training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED and Leave No Trace Principles
• Opportunity to work in a variety of different parks and preserves throughout the region and network with many local park managers and environmental professionals.
• Opportunity to serve local communities and the public by making a difference in the environment and improving habitats in a tangible way
• Recognition as a member of an accomplished AmeriCorps Program
Skills you will gain
Wilderness First Aid, CPR, AED, LNT, Professional
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, Write cleary and effectively
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, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, 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