Catskills Stewards

~ The Catskill Center preserves and enriches the environmental, economic and cultural well-being of the Catskill region through collaboration, inspiration and stewardship. We believe that the vitality and prosperity of the Catskills depend on robust collaboration, thriving local communities and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. ~

Founded in 1969, the Catskill Center is celebrating its 50 th anniversary as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For 50 years, the Catskill Center has partnered with regional organizations and governments to balance the preservation of the region’s natural beauty and environmental integrity with a commitment to advancing sustainable economic development within Catskill communities.

To learn more about the Catskill Center or to make a donation, visit our website.

Position Overview

We are searching for up to five motivated and reliable seasonal Catskills 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. Catskills Stewards will provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the public at top Catskills outdoor recreation destinations.

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.

Three to four seasonal full-time positions and one seasonal part-time position are available. The season runs from May 15 - September 16, 2019. Training is provided; travel to the training site is required. All positions are located in an outdoors environment with minimal facilities available.

Based on Steward preference and program need, Stewards will be assigned to one of three top Catskills destinations: the Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, and Platte Clove Preserve.

Full-time Stewards work Thursday through Monday each week at the Peekamoose Blue Hole and/or Kaaterskill Falls, including weekends and holidays. Part-time Stewards work Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at the Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve.

The Peekamoose Blue Hole is located by Denning, NY, within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (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.

This program is possible with funding from the NYSDEC, the Rondout-Neversink Watershed Program and generous donors.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Stewardship Coordinator, the Catskills Stewards will:

• Welcome and educate public about the area, the New York City watershed, the Catskill Park and Catskill Forest Preserve as appropriate.
• Introduce visitors to Leave No Trace Principles.
• Familiarize visitors with the Catskills Visitor Center and the Catskill Center.
• Direct visitors to dispose of litter and trash correctly.
• Suggest alternative recreation destinations as appropriate.
• Support on-site Forest Rangers and NYSDEC staff.
• Assist supervisor with reporting requirements.
• Complete other tasks as requested.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in customer service or working with the public.
• Ability to work alone with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to ascend a 3500’ peak across uneven terrain in a backcountry setting.
• Ability to remain outdoors with minimal access to facilities and no cell service for eight hours at a time.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Strong candidates will also have the following qualifications:

• Knowledge of natural history, ecology, and recreational opportunities of the Catskill Park.
• Ability to speak conversational Spanish.
• Empathy and patience.
• CPR, First Aid and Wilderness First Aid certifications.
• Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills.

Compensation

• $13.00-$15.00 per hour depending upon experience.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, resume, contact information and three references.
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until April 16, 2019 or until the positions are filled.

~ The Catskill Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ~