ROUTE 73 TRAILHEAD STEWARD

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) works to protect New York State wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. Since 1922, the organization has worked to increase access to the backcountry by building trails, conserving natural areas, and developing a stewardship community that supports the ethical and safe use of New York’s outdoor spaces. A member, donor, and volunteer-supported organization, ADK reaches across New York through its chapters to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors ethically.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Route 73 Trailhead Steward is responsible for educating the high volume of recreationists at trailheads along the Route 73 corridor, including but not limited to the trailheads of Giant, Rooster Comb, Garden, and Cascade Mountain. Trailhead Stewards also visit rock climbing destinations like the Beer Walls, Chapel Pond, and Jewels and Gems.

Trailhead Stewards provide accurate information on trails, conditions and local regulations, while encouraging responsible recreation practices. They will interact with a variety of recreationists including hikers, backpackers, and rock climbers. In addition, staff may be called upon to act as a liaison between visitors and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, facilitating communication of critical information to rangers during search and rescue operations.

The Route 73 Trailhead Stewardship Program’s mission is to foster an outdoor ethic in every trailhead visitor, and provide the skills and knowledge needed to protect New York State’s wild lands and waters for the benefit of all living beings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Education – 95%

• Provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors recreating from trailheads along the Route 73 corridor.
• Provide up to date trail information and conditions.
• Educate rock climbers and hikers on Leave No Trace practices specific to that recreational activity.
• Recommend other outdoor experiences based on visitor needs, skill level, and interests.
• Promote Leave No Trace and responsible recreation practices.
• Educate visitors on rules and regulations specific to the High Peaks Region.
• Communicate with DEC on trail misuse and emergencies. Trailhead Stewards are not law enforcement.

Other – 5%

• Pick up trash around the parking lot/trailhead
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic:

• A passion for outdoor education and a commitment to the mission, values, and vision of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
• Commitment to stewardship and environmental education.
• Self-driven and comfortable working mainly independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced high stress environment with visitors who have diverse backgrounds and skill/comfort levels outdoors.
• Desire to explore trails, climbing routes, and other recreation opportunities to provide visitors with accurate and current trail information.
• Ability to promote Leave No Trace and responsible recreation practices to protect the resources and cultivate a positive visitor experience.
• Provide visitors with information in a way that empowers them in their outdoor experience.
• Gather and report use figures from the trailhead to be incorporated into the High Peaks Unit Management Plan and complete weekly reports.

Preferred:

• 2–3 years of experience in customer service, environmental education, or stewardship.
• Previous rock-climbing experience.
• Previous experience hiking and backpacking, especially in the High Peaks region.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

Reports to: Stewardship Manager

Classification: Full-time, Seasonal, non-exempt

Dates: Friday of Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day; options to either leave early for college or to stay through Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Salary/Wage: $17.50/hour

Benefits: Paid sick time; free ADK workshops, discounts on store merchandise and rental equipment.

Housing: Shared on-site communal housing at the Heart Lake Program Center for a small deduction.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT

As an organization, we appreciate a diverse set of skills and candidates eager and willing to grow and learn with our organization. As such, our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills and aptitude to succeed in this role, we want to hear from you.

ADK affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all individuals. Decisions about recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, and all similar employment matters are made in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, military status or any other classification protected by federal or state law. Any discrimination in the workplace against persons protected by equal employment opportunity laws is illegal and against policy.