Hudson Valley Corps - SCA Trail Steward at Finger Lakes State Parks

Position Summary 

The AmeriCorps Members will rehabilitate and maintain the trail systems within the Finger Lakes Region of the NYS Parks while connecting volunteers within the local community with the agency’s trail improvement and natural resource protection efforts. Members will receive on the ground training and direct experience in trail building, projects planning, and conservation stewardship skills. The position will aid in providing safe public access to park lands and outdoor recreational opportunities. Participating members will play a valuable role in the protection and improvement of state park facilities, natural resources, and infrastructure while improving the overall safety and experience for park patrons.

 

The Student Conservation Association New York State Parks Corps program is a seven-month residential program focusing on trail construction, environmental education, cultural interpretation, volunteer coordination, event planning, administrative assistance, invasive species removal, and more! The program is a partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The New York State Parks Corps program aims to give those early in their career first-hand experience while also providing valuable service to New York State. Members live with one to five other members in a state park or DEC property and are supervised day-to-day by OPRHP or DEC staff. The SCA New York State Parks Corps is an AmeriCorps program.

 

Location 

Trumansburg, NY

 

Schedule 

March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Perform trail maintenance and construction tasks both under the supervision of agency staff and independently. Assist with other park infrastructure work. Establish relationships with local volunteer groups while planning volunteer projects and events. Serve as a public liaison for the Finger Lakes regional trail crew; educating park patrons on sustainable trail work and natural areas protection. Tool and equipment maintenance.

 

Marginal Duties 

Goal 1: Actively assist the Finger Lakes trail crew in the completion of scheduled trail improvement projects and related infrastructure work. Goal 2: Independently plan and implement at least two volunteer trail improvement projects. Goal 3: Increase the public visibility of the FL regional trails

 

Required Qualifications 

Prior experience in trail building, carpentry, or construction preferred but not required. Experience/training with hand and power tools, chainsaw use and rigging preferred but not required. Able to meet the physical demands of trail work. Prior experience in trail building, carpentry, or construction preferred but not required. Experience/training with hand and power tools. Knowledge of GIS and mapping preferred but not required. Must be able to meet the physical demands of trail work.

 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

SCA workskills, GOL, backcountry rigging preferred but not required (on site training and skill development with be provided) Bachelor’s degree in education, conservation, resource management, environmental studies, or science preferred; relevant experience will be considered.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

A shared four-bedroom house within Taughannock Falls State Park with two bathrooms, a kitchen, laundry, semi-private yard, and a location for Member vehicles.

 

Compensation  

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service in 2026: $5,176.50 Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week, and Free housing provided.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

 

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Mental Health First Aid

SCA Conservation Work Skills

Wilderness First Aid Training

Leave No Trace Level 1 Educator Training

Possible ACA Canoe Training

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyle