Trail Steward Program Associate

Position:           Trail Steward Program Associate                                   Date:    March 2025

Reports to:        Trail Steward Program Coordinator                                FLSA:   Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Trail Steward Program Associate to support the operations, training, and management of the Trail Steward Program. This full-time, seasonal position will help ensure the success of both the jobshiringnearme.org Corps and Volunteer Trail Steward programs by assisting with logistics, field support, and program administration. The Trail Steward Program Associate will work closely with the Trail Steward Program Coordinator to enhance stewardship efforts and foster responsible outdoor recreation throughout the region.

Responsibilities:

Program Support and Field Coordination

The Trail Steward Program Associate will assist in the day-to-day operations of the Trail Steward Program, including coordinating schedules, distribution of supplies and gear, and site logistics. They will serve as an on-the-ground resource for both jobshiringnearme.org Corps Trail Stewards and Volunteer Trail Stewards, providing field support and guidance. The Program Associate will conduct regular site visits to Trail Steward locations, offering direct mentorship, troubleshooting challenges, and ensuring program consistency.

Training and Onboarding

This role will assist in the onboarding and training of new Trail Stewards, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles. They will be responsible for facilitating workshops and training sessions on visitor engagement, Leave No Trace principles, and safety protocols. Additionally, they will support ongoing professional development for Trail Stewards, providing feedback and coaching as needed.

Data Collection and Program Evaluation

Effective data management is essential to the success of the Trail Steward Program. The Program Associate will assist in collecting and managing field data, including visitor interactions, environmental conditions, and program impact metrics. They will ensure that data is recorded accurately and submitted in a timely manner for analysis and reporting. Working with the Trail Steward Program Coordinator, they will identify trends and opportunities for program improvements.

Community Engagement and Partner Support

Develop and foster relationships with program partners to ensure ongoing communication and effective programming with local land managers on federal, state, county, municipal, and local levels. Represent the Trail Conference at partner meetings and outreach events, promoting stewardship initiatives and increasing awareness of the program’s impact. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to lead guided hikes and workshops to engage the public in stewardship initiatives.

Other Tasks

Collaborate with other programs within the Stewardship Department to ensure seamless coordination of initiatives. Assist with administrative tasks such as supply inventory, gear and tool maintenance, and logistics coordination. Serve as a liaison between Trail Stewards and program leadership, ensuring effective communication. Support special projects and new initiatives as assigned by the Trail Steward Program Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Passion for environmental conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Experience in outdoor education, trail stewardship, or conservation programs preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and support seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Experience working with land management agencies and partner organizations.
• Able to effectively interact with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and adapt to changing conditions in the field.
• Comfortable hiking and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Proficiency with data collection and reporting tools is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays as needed.

• Reside within commuting distance of Mahwah, NJ.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of trail stewardship and outdoor recreation management.
• Leave No Trace Level 1 or Level 2 Instructor certification, or a comprehensive understanding of Leave No Trace principles.
• Familiarity with conservation work, including trail maintenance and construction.
• Experience leading workshops or trainings.
• First aid with CPR or wilderness medical certification.
• Experience working with AmeriCorps programs or similar service-oriented organizations.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in training and managing volunteers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Supervision and Work Environment

The Trail Steward Program Associate reports to the Trail Steward Program Coordinator and collaborates frequently with other department and program staff. This role requires travel across the Hudson Valley and Catskills, with administrative work based at the Trail Conference headquarters in Mahwah, NJ. The work schedule includes weekends and some holidays to support field operations. Anticipated start date is no later than May 1, 2025, for 6 months, full time.

While work performed at the Trail Conference’s headquarters is preferred, remote and hybrid work arrangements may be used to allow staff members to fulfill some or all their duties from an off-site location. Enabling remote and hybrid work is a strategic business decision, in addition to being a benefit for staff members, and is consistent with the Trail Conference’s culture, including:

• Creating a highly engaged, equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
• Attracting and retaining staff members by providing a work environment that is supportive, productive, and flexible.
• Sustaining a highly collaborative culture.
• Fostering an environment for continued productivity, improvement, and excellence.
• Empowering decisions that prioritize both business needs and staff member preferences.
• Reducing our environmental impact and aligning with the organization’s sustainability goals.

For these reasons, we encourage the use of remote and hybrid work arrangements and flexible scheduling when appropriate and when aligned with the needs of the teams. Approval for such arrangements is granted at the discretion of the Trail Conference management and is subject to ongoing and periodic review. The determination of staff member eligibility for remote and hybrid work will be made in accordance with the organization’s Hybrid Work Policy and the needs of the organization.

The Trail Conference believes that the joys of nature belong to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, or religion.  We pledge to uphold equality in our hiring and employment practices and to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work.

Compensation

The compensation rate is $3,483 to $3,667 per month, paid semi-monthly, and commensurate with experience. The Trail Conference proudly provides a full range of benefits including employer subsidized health care, complimentary membership, paid vacation and sick leave.

Application

To apply, please submit the following items via email attachments (start all attachment file names with your last name) to jobs@nynjtc.org, subject line: “Trail Steward Program Associate: [Your Last Name].” All application materials will be kept confidential.

• A professional resume
• A cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications
• Contact information for three references

This position is available until filled. Candidate interviews will begin immediately and continue until an offer is made. No calls please. Check www.nynjtc.org/job-openings/ to determine if the position is filled.

Employment Opportunities

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 to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work.

About Us

For more information about the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, please visit https://www.nynjtc.org/about-us/