Job Openings

Trail Conference Conservation Corps :
Trail Steward Crew Leader

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

Our TCCC Trail Stewards have been providing face-to-face education and sustainable, on-the-ground solutions to some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations since 2013. They play a vital role in educating the public on park regulations, safety, preparedness, and responsible recreation practices. In addition to their educational efforts, Stewards contribute to trail improvement projects, including trail maintenance, construction, and invasive species management. They also lead interpretive hikes and workshops that emphasize Leave No Trace principles, natural history, and ecological stewardship. Trail Steward Crew Leaders support the Program Coordinator with pre- and post-season planning, data analysis, reporting, and partner coordination. They support Crew Members by fostering a strong work ethic, delegating tasks, providing guidance, and ensuring protocols are followed.

LOCATIONS

Trail Stewards are assigned to one of two crews in New York: Lower Hudson Valley Region, which includes popular and heavily visited trailheads and trails, or the Catskill Forest Preserve, where they work in remote, high-elevation environments.

TERM OF SERVICE

Minimum of 1200-hour term of service, April 1^st through November 13^th. The work week is 40 hours per week, Wednesday through Sunday. Weekend and holiday 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. Members are required to wear a provided uniform.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

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

• Free, as needed, rustic, lakeside housing within Harriman State Park or a shared rental house in the Catskill Forest Preserve provided from May 2^nd – November 1^st; Some work will be done outside of the above timeframe ($5,000 total). (Housing may also be available before and/or after this timeframe but is not guaranteed.)
• Bi-weekly pre-tax living allowance of $1,073.62, or $17,500 total (returning leaders $1,125.77; $18,350 total)
• Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the term totaling $5,220.00
• Certification in Wilderness First Aid/CPR/AED ($308) and Leave No Trace (Level 1 Instructor Course $285)
• Networking and career development opportunities with environmental professionals including one-on-one resume workshops ($250)
• 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 ($760 total, $95/month)
• Total Approximate Value of Stipend, Education Award, and Services: $29,323.00 (returning leaders $30,173.00)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Program Coordinator with pre- and post-season planning, training, scheduling, and partner coordination
• Oversee a team of 5 to 10 members, often independently after training, to encourage good work ethic, provide support and guidance, ensure protocols are followed, and delegate tasks
• Collect, compile, analyze, and share weekly trail user data and the team’s accomplishments in the form of social media posts, monthly reports, mid-season, and end-of-season reports
• Provide a welcoming and engaging atmosphere to the public
• Educate visitors on Leave No Trace principles, park rules and regulations, and trail information
• Participate in and occasionally lead trail improvement projects, including trail maintenance, trail building, and invasive species management
• Use hand tools to maintain and build high quality hiking trails and trail structures
• Support lost/injured hikers and emergency-response agencies whenever possible
• Lead stewardship activities such as interpretive hikes and Leave No Trace Workshops
• Work collaboratively with partners, other TCCC members, and volunteers
• Members may not engage in Prohibited Activities outlined in AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement
• Crew Leaders are prohibited from signing crew member timesheets, evaluating crew member performance, disciplining crew members, enrolling/dismissing crew members, writing and/or signing program reports to AmeriCorps or the NYS Commission on National and Community Service, or managing the program’s payroll and budget.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to inspire, encourage, and lead a diverse team to successful completion of tasks and projects
• Organized, responsible, and detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to multitask
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; interest in engaging with all types of park visitors
• Ability to do physically strenuous work and hike 6-8 miles per day over rough terrain with a heavy pack
• Comfort working outdoors in all types of weather and conditions
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for transportation to field sites

BONUS POINTS

• Comfort with writing reports and working with data 
• A passion for hiking and outdoor education
• Backpacking, camping, and/or outdoor field work experience
• Outreach, public speaking, or teaching experience

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.