Job Title: Adirondacks Corps Trail & Field Operations Specialist

Reports to: Adirondacks Program Manager

Status: Full-Time Non - Exempt, Permanent 

Salary: $25.48 - $29.33 Hourly

Location: Long Lake, NY (On-site housing available)

SCA delivers a range of corps and crew programs throughout New York. The Adirondacks portfolio includes multi-week trail projects, conservation field operations, and individual placements with land managers across the Park and surrounding regions. Programs frequently partner with agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), local municipalities, and non-profit organizations. Many member positions operate as terms of service and may be supported through AmeriCorps, where applicable. 

Position Summary:

This role ensures safe, high-quality trail and recreation stewardship across the Adirondack region by coordinating field logistics, mentoring conservation crews, and supporting operational excellence across all field-based programs. The specialist contributes to meaningful conservation outcomes and helps foster a positive, inclusive experience for members and partners. 

Job Responsibilities:

Program Planning and Delivery 

• Recruit, interview, and select Project Leaders for Adirondack-based trail crews and serve as their direct supervisor throughout the season. 
• Serve as a primary liaison with land managers and partners across the Adirondack Park (e.g., NYS DEC, local municipalities, and nonprofit partners). 
• Coordinate field logistics, including hitch schedules, project calendars, gear issue/returns, permits, vehicle assignments, and tool caches. 
• Plan pre-season operations (gear preparation, shop readiness, orientation scheduling) and organize project logistics prior to program start. 
• Assess housing, camping, service, and environmental risks; develop Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and implement mitigation strategies to ensure safe living and service environments. 
• Support Project Leaders with scheduling and managing project deliverables in compliance with applicable laws, SCA policies and protocols, partner expectations, and (where applicable) AmeriCorps regulations. 

Member Supervision and Compliance 

• Serve as the program’s technical advisor for trail construction and maintenance and other conservation projects (tread work, drainage, rock and timber features, rigging, tool use, and PPE). 
• Monitor member activities to ensure safety, administrative accuracy, and program compliance; conduct regular site visits to assess quality and progress. 
• Report, track, and respond to incidents in accordance with SCA policies and procedures; implement corrective actions and follow-up. 
• Manage program reporting and data integrity across internal systems. 
• Review and approve member timesheets within timelines set by SCA and, where applicable, AmeriCorps. 
• Assist regional staff in cultivating and maintaining local relationships with community organizations and agency partners; represent SCA at meetings and events as needed. 

Member Training and Skills Development 

• Ensure members receive training for the safe, proficient delivery of trail and conservation services (tool use, backcountry living, Leave No Trace, risk management). 
• Promote leadership and career development; complete formal evaluations and provide regular coaching and feedback. 
• Assist with curriculum development and delivery for technical trail skills (stonework, carpentry/timber, rigging), safety/risk management, and field logistics. 
• Coordinate or deliver trainings such as Wilderness First Aid/Responder refreshers, driver and trailer safety, and sawyer training; hire external trainers as needed. 

Member Professional Development 

• Model and uphold SCA, partner, and (where applicable) AmeriCorps policies and protocols. 
• Mentor Project Leaders and members on the interpersonal and professional skills required for their term of service, including living and serving in backcountry spike camps and engaging with the public on high-use trails. 
• Participate in SCA training and professional development opportunities and share learnings across the team. 

Supplies and Equipment 

• Develop an annual tool, equipment, and PPE purchase plan aligned with program budgets and project requirements. 
• Maintain organized, secure, and inventoried caches for tools, rigging, PPE, camping gear, and educational materials; ensure compliance with SCA and partner guidelines. 
• Perform administrative tasks such as financial reporting, purchasing/expense coding, and tracking against budgets. 

Facilities, Maintenance, and Repairs 

• Collaborate with SCA and DEC staff to train members on shop, warehouse, and residential facility operations and community responsibilities. 
• Ensure upkeep of buildings, shop spaces, and grounds by modeling proper care and maintenance; assist with seasonal prep/winterization and storm response as needed. 
• In coordination with DEC staff, support road access, lot sanding/plowing (where applicable), and other routine site maintenance. 
• Assist local staff in ensuring all vehicles and trailers are properly maintained and compliant with New York State laws and SCA policies and procedures. 

Program Administration 

• Maintain current knowledge of SCA policies and procedures, partner requirements, and (where applicable) AmeriCorps regulations. 
• Assist the Program Manager and Senior Manager in developing systems for ongoing program improvement and operational excellence. 
• Sustain alumni relationships for Adirondack programs; update alumni contact lists and communications as needed. 
• Ensure Project Leader timesheets are completed and approved; complete expense coding; track program outputs and outcomes; maintain program calendars; and produce monthly reports. 
• Support Project Leaders with administrative responsibilities such as weekly reports, output tracking, project documentation, lesson planning (where applicable), and partner evaluations. 
• Manage project/partner surveys at the end of each project monitor for accuracy and compliance.
• Complete a financial and project reporting tracking and coding of program expenses as needed or assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 21 years of age. 
• Valid driver’s license and motor vehicle record that meet SCA standards; ability to drive on unpaved forest roads and in variable weather. 
• Ability to spend extended periods in the field across rugged Adirondack terrain in variable weather; ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. 
• 3-4 years of progressive experience supervising young adults in a conservation/outdoor setting (trail work strongly preferred). 
• Current Wilderness First Aid or higher/CPR certification, or ability to acquire certification prior to field season. 
• Demonstrated trail construction/maintenance experience (e.g., tread/erosion control, rock and stonework, timber features, rigging) is strongly preferred. 
• Sawyer certifications (USFS/NYS DEC) preferred; willingness to obtain if not current. 
• Leave No Trace Level Two Instructor and Certified Interpretive Guide are preferred. 
• Ability to work effectively both on a team and independently with minimal supervision. 
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel).

Travel Requirements: 

• Average 35% field time for project planning, training and other field-based duties described above. Increased field time during peak season May-October. 
• Ability to travel frequently across the Adirondack Park and surrounding regions, including multi-day field travel and overnight stays. 
• Comfort driving on unpaved forest roads and accessing backcountry project sites. 

Benefits:

• Employer-Paid Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, and Short-Term Disability
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurances, Pet Insurance, and more
• Free confidential therapy, Teladoc, and financial planning services
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 22 days a year)
• 12 Paid Federal Holidays and Floating Holiday, Community Service, and Education hours
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Paid Parental Leave (up to 4 weeks)
• Professional Development Budget
• On-site housing available
• Food provided during program year

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.