Job Openings

Trail Conference Conservation Corps:
Conservation Dogs Program Member

NOTE: This Position is No Longer Accepting Applications for the 2026 Season.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Trail Conference Conservation Corps (TCCC) provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to become leaders in environmental conservation. Industry experts train our AmeriCorps crews in sustainable trail building, invasive species management, public outreach, volunteer engagement, and outdoor leadership to provide vital resources to the parks you enjoy. Corps Members will receive a living stipend for their service and are eligible for education awards through our partnership with AmeriCorps.

POSITION SUMMARY

The New York–New Jersey Trail Conference’s Ecological Stewardship Department deploys a range of programs aimed at mitigating ecological damage and preventing the spread of invasive species in southern New York. These efforts are led by the Trail Conference Conservation Corps Invasives Strike Force (TCCC ISF) and supported by the Conservation Dogs Program (CDP), which uses trained detection dog teams to locate cryptic invasive plant seedlings and low-density, outlier populations that are difficult to detect through visual surveys alone. 

The Corps Member assigned to this dual role will spend the majority of their time managing invasive plants and collecting field data, working either alongside Conservation Dogs Program staff or with the TCCC ISF crew. The member will also gain office experience through data processing and report writing. Invasive species management will include both manual and chemical control methods, and members will become New York State Pesticide Apprentices. Together, ISF and CDP implement the regional strategy of the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management by surveying for emerging invaders and rapidly responding to priority populations using best management practices. 

LOCATIONS

One or more of several sites across New York’s Lower Hudson Valley, including Dover/Wingdale, Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks, and other sites as necessary.  

TERM OF SERVICE

Minimum of 900-hours service term, May 14th through October 31st, 40 hours a week. Members must start May 13th for paid online pesticide training. Work week is Tuesday through Saturday. Weekend work is required. Members must take a 1/2-hour lunch which does not count toward service hours. This outdoor position includes a variety of weather conditions and periods of multi-day overnights at sites. Members are required to wear a provided uniform.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The Trail Conference greatly values the Corps Members’ experience, in parentheses are approximate values of the trainings and services that will be provided, free of charge. 

• The Trail Conference greatly values the Corps Members’ experience, in parentheses are approximate values of the trainings and services that will be provided, free of charge. 
• Free, rustic, group, lakeside, group housing within Harriman State Park provided as needed from May 12th – November 1st ($5,000 total) 
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance $947.06; $11,500 total (returning members $1,008.82; $12,250 total) 
• Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the term totaling $3,915.00 
• Certification in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED ($308), Leave No Trace (Two Day Trainer Course $285), and NY Pesticide Apprentice Training ($1,250) 
• Networking and career development opportunities with environmental professionals including one-on-one resume workshops ($250) 
• Opportunity to gain supervised experience supporting professional dog trainers and ability to log eligible hours toward CPDT-KA certification, consistent with CCPDT requirements. 
• Training and experience in leadership, teaching, working with volunteers, public outreach, and teamwork 
• Opportunity for qualified student loan deferment and interest repayment 
• Eligible for SNAP benefits ($95 per month) 
• Total Approximate Value of Stipend, Education Award, and Services: $23,078.00 ($23,828.00 returning member) 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist TCCC ISF or CDP staff with manual and chemical invasives management and other natural resources management activities 
• Keep accurate and detailed records of activities by collecting and processing data and writing reports 
• Prepare maps utilizing ArcPro, ArcOnline, and GPS data collected in the field via the Field Maps app 
• Engage with the public by supporting volunteer events, including invasive species removal workdays and Conservation Dogs Program volunteer dog surveyor training workshops 
• Learn and follow applicable techniques, rules, and regulations for pesticide application 
• Assist CDP staff during canine training events by uploading videos, recording data, setting up and breaking down training areas 
• Members may not engage in any Prohibited Activities as outlined in the Member Service Agreement 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Capacity to conduct physically strenuous field work daily, hiking up to 4 miles carrying up to 30 lbs of equipment over rugged terrain and strenuous environmental conditions 
• Demonstrated ability to be highly flexible and adaptable, with comfort managing frequent schedule changes, shifting priorities, and evolving duties while working under the direction of two different supervisors 
• Experience or interest in plant identification and management 
• Experience or interest in working or sport dogs 
• Comfort working around high-drive working dogs, which may include loud barking, jumping, and other excited behaviors during training or fieldwork 
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites 

APPLICATION

Go to https://www.nynjtc.org/corpsapplication to apply. Applications are accepted until the positions are filled.

For questions, email Conservation Corps Manager, Tori Finn, [email protected].

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

An individual must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school diploma or GED; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien; pass a three-part national service criminal history check of the national sex-offender registry, state repository check, and FBI fingerprint check; and complete all pre-service orientation and training requirements. Documentation of age, education, and citizenship are due by the first day of orientation. Criminal history checks will be initiated before the start of service; an individual will be ineligible if s/he is required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry, has been convicted of murder, or fails to disclose any previous conviction. Other convictions or pending charges will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policy. 

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. We pledge to uphold equality in our hiring and employment practices and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work.