The primary focus of this Maintenance Assistant position is to work as part of the regional trail crew on high priority projects. These projects aim to restore, build, and improve recreational trails within the Catskill Forest Preserve using sustainable standards through skilled hands-on construction. This includes performing a wide range of trail maintenance and construction tasks throughout the region in both a backcountry & front country setting. Performing a variety of hands-on skilled work such as carpentry, dry stone masonry, erosion mitigation, trail stabilization, rigging, and compact equipment operation. Projects include new trail construction, tread and drainage improvements, stone staircases and retaining walls, bog bridge and trail bridge construction, hazard tree removal, signage installation, maintaining and creating access points, building and maintaining ADA infrastructure and general facilities maintenance.

A successful candidate will be able to perform trail work effectively and safely in a variety of outdoor weather conditions, demonstrate an attentiveness to detailed projects and possess critical thinking skills for problem solving project components. The position requires work on uneven and steep terrain, and carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment up to 50 lbs. This position is only during the field season (May-October) which is 100% outdoors. Project locations will vary but are focused within Catskill Forest Preserve Lands of Greene County, other State Lands and Campgrounds within Region 4 with a mix of backcountry and front country work sites.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Delivering sustainable trail work material to projects

· Proper use and daily maintenance of tools/gear/equipment for projects

· Transporting tools, gear, equipment, and materials to & from work sites

· Performing various types of trail work for extended periods of time

· Hiking daily to and from work sites

· Educating the public when approached on the work being done.

· Submitting timecards accurately and punctually

· Driving a provided State vehicle daily and maintaining a clean work vehicle

· Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workplace

· Wearing the proper PPE during work tasks

· Work closely with the Regional Trails Specialist on regional trail project execution

Minimum Qualifications:

· Must be available for all trainings as required.

· Must be able to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time outside and lift up to 50 lbs. or more.

· Must demonstrate safe workplace practices and communicate effectively to co-workers & supervisor.

· Must possess a valid Driver’s License

Preferred Skills/Experience:

· Working knowledge of sustainable trail building techniques

· Experience working on paid or volunteer trail crews.

· Experience working on other physical labor jobs such as construction, landscaping, or general trades.

· Experience with communication, time management and problem-solving

· Experience with hand tools, power tools and basic tool maintenance

· Experience with rigging setups

· Pursuing or possessing a degree in Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Forestry Management, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, or similar field is preferred but not required.

Project Funding and Duration:

This Maintenance Assistant position is a seasonal 6-month position working 40 hours/week Tuesday–Friday, with NYS DEC. The typical workday is 6:00am – 4:30pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. The start date of this position is May 1st and is anticipated to end October 31, 2024. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $18.77 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• No weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Haines Falls, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person