Catskill Steward
Catskill Center
Full-time
On-site
United States
$15 - $17 USD hourly
Position Description
We are searching for multiple full-time and part-time highly motivated and reliable seasonal Catskill Stewards to help protect Catskills wilderness.
As the Catskills have become increasingly popular in the last several years, previously pristine destinations have experienced ecological damage from overuse. Catskill Stewards will provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the
public at top Catskills outdoor recreation destinations. Learn more at www.catskillcenter.org/catskillstewardsprogram.
This is an early career position suited for someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys challenges, and seeks a physically active position that helps protect important natural areas.
The season runs from May 9 - September 15, 2023, but schedules can be adjusted according to applicant availability. Weekend and holiday work is required for all Stewards. All positions are located in an outdoor environment with minimal facilities available.
Training is provided; travel to the training site is required.
Catskill Stewards will be assigned to top Catskills destinations: the Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, Platte Clove Preserve, Fire Towers, and backcountry locations.
Stewards may rotate among work locations, depending on the interests and abilities of the Stewards and needs of the program. The Peekamoose Blue Hole is located by Denning, NY, within the NYSDEC Sundown Wild Forest, a secluded wilderness area of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Kaaterskill Clove on Route 23A east of Tannersville, NY, within the NYSDEC’s Kaaterskill Wild Forest.
Easily accessible to the general public, Kaaterskill Falls is one of the top three visited locations in the Catskill Park. The Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve lies south of Platte Clove Road where the Long Path crosses Platte Clove Road. Fire Tower locations
in the Catskills include the Upper Esopus, Hunter Mountain, Red Hill, Balsam Lake Mountain, Mt. Tremper, and Overlook Mountain.
One Ridge Runner Steward will work at popular backcountry destinations in the Catskill Forest Preserve, primarily along the Devil’s Path in Elka Park NY and at Catskills Fire Towers. The Devil’s Path is a 24-mile trail spanning five peaks with a total accumulation of 9,000 ft of elevation gain. This position is open to one highly qualified individual with excellent hiking endurance and a demonstrated ability to camp outdoors for extended periods of time.
Job Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Community Relations Specialist, Catskill Stewards will:
● At key Catskills hotspots, welcome and educate the public about the area, New
York City watershed, Catskill Park, and Catskill Forest Preserve, as applicable;
● Educate visitors about the Catskills Visitor Center, the Catskill Center, and the
history of the Catskills Fire Towers;
● Introduce visitors to Leave No Trace Principles and responsible recreation;
● Guide visitors to dispose of litter and trash correctly;
● Support on-site Forest Rangers and NYSDEC staff;
● Check permits and sign in visitors where applicable;
● Suggest alternative recreation destinations as appropriate;
● Provide photos/videos and captions for social media;
● Promote the program through group videos and interviews;
● Perform routine trail maintenance and litter cleanup of trails, parking lots, and
surrounding areas;
● Help with group clean-ups and land stewardship projects;
● Help ensure fire tower maximum capacity limits are not exceeded;
● Report any issues needing immediate attention;
● Count daily visitor totals at assigned location;
● Assist supervisor with reporting requirements;
● Support CVC staff as needed;
● Complete other tasks as requested.
Required Qualifications - All positions
● Demonstrated success in customer service or working with the public
● Ability to work alone with minimal supervision
● Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills
● Ability to remain outdoors with minimal access to facilities for extended
periods of time, and without cell phone service at some locations
● Willingness and ability to pass background check
Additional Requirements for Ridge Runner & work at remote Fire Towers
● Demonstrated ability to ascend and descend a 3500’ peak across at least 6
miles of uneven terrain in a backcountry setting
● Ability to and comfort with remaining outdoors with minimal or no access to
facilities and no cell phone service for eight hours at a time
Preferred qualifications include:
● Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills
● Knowledge of Catskills natural history, ecology, and recreational opportunities
● Ability to speak conversational Spanish
● Empathy and patience
● Experience teaching
● CPR, First Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid certifications
Compensation: $15.00-$17.00 per hour, depending on experience and funding
availability.
TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three
professional references to jobs@catskillcenter.org.
👉 Please reference you found the job on GetOutdoorJobs.com, this helps us get more companies to post outdoor industry jobs here, thanks!
We are searching for multiple full-time and part-time highly motivated and reliable seasonal Catskill Stewards to help protect Catskills wilderness.
As the Catskills have become increasingly popular in the last several years, previously pristine destinations have experienced ecological damage from overuse. Catskill Stewards will provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the
public at top Catskills outdoor recreation destinations. Learn more at www.catskillcenter.org/catskillstewardsprogram.
This is an early career position suited for someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys challenges, and seeks a physically active position that helps protect important natural areas.
The season runs from May 9 - September 15, 2023, but schedules can be adjusted according to applicant availability. Weekend and holiday work is required for all Stewards. All positions are located in an outdoor environment with minimal facilities available.
Training is provided; travel to the training site is required.
Catskill Stewards will be assigned to top Catskills destinations: the Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, Platte Clove Preserve, Fire Towers, and backcountry locations.
Stewards may rotate among work locations, depending on the interests and abilities of the Stewards and needs of the program. The Peekamoose Blue Hole is located by Denning, NY, within the NYSDEC Sundown Wild Forest, a secluded wilderness area of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Kaaterskill Clove on Route 23A east of Tannersville, NY, within the NYSDEC’s Kaaterskill Wild Forest.
Easily accessible to the general public, Kaaterskill Falls is one of the top three visited locations in the Catskill Park. The Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve lies south of Platte Clove Road where the Long Path crosses Platte Clove Road. Fire Tower locations
in the Catskills include the Upper Esopus, Hunter Mountain, Red Hill, Balsam Lake Mountain, Mt. Tremper, and Overlook Mountain.
One Ridge Runner Steward will work at popular backcountry destinations in the Catskill Forest Preserve, primarily along the Devil’s Path in Elka Park NY and at Catskills Fire Towers. The Devil’s Path is a 24-mile trail spanning five peaks with a total accumulation of 9,000 ft of elevation gain. This position is open to one highly qualified individual with excellent hiking endurance and a demonstrated ability to camp outdoors for extended periods of time.
Job Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Community Relations Specialist, Catskill Stewards will:
● At key Catskills hotspots, welcome and educate the public about the area, New
York City watershed, Catskill Park, and Catskill Forest Preserve, as applicable;
● Educate visitors about the Catskills Visitor Center, the Catskill Center, and the
history of the Catskills Fire Towers;
● Introduce visitors to Leave No Trace Principles and responsible recreation;
● Guide visitors to dispose of litter and trash correctly;
● Support on-site Forest Rangers and NYSDEC staff;
● Check permits and sign in visitors where applicable;
● Suggest alternative recreation destinations as appropriate;
● Provide photos/videos and captions for social media;
● Promote the program through group videos and interviews;
● Perform routine trail maintenance and litter cleanup of trails, parking lots, and
surrounding areas;
● Help with group clean-ups and land stewardship projects;
● Help ensure fire tower maximum capacity limits are not exceeded;
● Report any issues needing immediate attention;
● Count daily visitor totals at assigned location;
● Assist supervisor with reporting requirements;
● Support CVC staff as needed;
● Complete other tasks as requested.
Required Qualifications - All positions
● Demonstrated success in customer service or working with the public
● Ability to work alone with minimal supervision
● Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills
● Ability to remain outdoors with minimal access to facilities for extended
periods of time, and without cell phone service at some locations
● Willingness and ability to pass background check
Additional Requirements for Ridge Runner & work at remote Fire Towers
● Demonstrated ability to ascend and descend a 3500’ peak across at least 6
miles of uneven terrain in a backcountry setting
● Ability to and comfort with remaining outdoors with minimal or no access to
facilities and no cell phone service for eight hours at a time
Preferred qualifications include:
● Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills
● Knowledge of Catskills natural history, ecology, and recreational opportunities
● Ability to speak conversational Spanish
● Empathy and patience
● Experience teaching
● CPR, First Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid certifications
Compensation: $15.00-$17.00 per hour, depending on experience and funding
availability.
TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three
professional references to jobs@catskillcenter.org.
👉 Please reference you found the job on GetOutdoorJobs.com, this helps us get more companies to post outdoor industry jobs here, thanks!
This job is closed.