The Organization

The Huyck Preserve, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located on a 2,000+-acre land preserve in Rensselaerville, New York, southwest of Albany, invites applications for the position of Seasonal Ranger.  Founded in 1931, our mission is to preserve the natural beauty of the Rensselaerville Falls, the watershed of Lake Myosotis and surrounding lands; to conduct long-term research on natural systems as part of a global effort to understand and protect the Earth’s biodiversity; and to increase appreciation of this effort through innovative, field-based educational programs for students, teachers, and the community. 

The Preserve’s mission extends to four core areas: conservation, education, research, and recreation. Access to our 12+ miles of trails is free and trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round. The public may enjoy non-motorized boating and fishing on Lake Myosotis, and members holding a beach pass may swim in the lake during summer swim hours. For more information, please visit www.huyckpreserve.org.

Seaonal Ranger

The Huyck Preserve seeks a Seasonal Ranger who will be an important point of contact with the community, ensuring rule compliance and protection of Huyck Preserve human-created and natural resources, promoting responsible recreation, and enhancing understanding of the Preserve’s resources. This position reports to the Executive Director of the Huyck Preserve. This is a full-time, six-month, non-exempt position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Patrolling Huyck Preserve’s trail system to interact with visitors and enforce Huyck Preserve rules (found here: https://www.huyckpreserve.org/hiking.html)
• Monitoring key areas for rule compliance to enhance public safety: the Rensselaerville Falls and Lake Myosotis
• Monitoring key facilities and areas to prevent theft of natural and human-made resources and deter vandalism
• Providing staff presence on evening and weekends including interacting with visitors at the Visitors’ Center for a portion of weekend hours
• Participating in at least one “Meet the Ranger” public event
• Supporting Stewardship Coordinator in monitoring for stewardship issues along trails and waterways including ecological damage and invasive species
• Providing trail condition updates to Buildings and Grounds Supervisor as issues arise
• Responding to calls for assistance from distressed visitors during work hours, and summoning emergency responders as needed
• Contributing to team effort by performing other related duties as required and coordinating with other staff doing related work including for example the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, Stewardship Coordinator, Membership and Outreach Coordinator, and Lake Myosotis lifeguards

Qualifications and Skills:

The ideal Seasonal Ranger candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hiring
• Must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Commitment to conservation and experience/interest in natural area recreation and stewardship
• Interest in building connections between visitors, the Huyck Preserve, and its mission
• Experience and interest in interacting with the public
• Outgoing personality and strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently for extended periods and also to work with a team
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, to navigate rugged terrain, to walk for extended periods, and to carry and operate equipment needed to carry out job responsibilities
• Experience with and/or interest in learning about local flora and fauna

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Huyck Preserve and its mission, trails, resources, and facilities
• Interest in returning in subsequent years will be considered in the application.

Other Requirements:

• This position will work Friday to Tuesday from approximately May 15 to November 15, 2024.
• Evening work will be required.
• Use of personal vehicle may be required.
• The successful candidate will be certified in Wilderness First Aid – training will be provided for those lacking certification upon hiring.
• The successful candidate will be provided with Leave No Trace recreational training upon hiring.
• Finalists must successfully complete a criminal background check before an offer of employment is made.

Job Details:

• Full-time, non-exempt, seasonal position involving approximately 40-hours per week
• $20/hour salary
• Uniform and equipment will be supplied upon hiring, must be used only when working on-site at the Huyck Preserve, and must be returned at the end of the seasonal position.