Department of Civil Service

Description:

Position Description:
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) in the Finger Lakes
Region is seeking Trails Stewards to assist agency staff in the management of targeted natural areas within
Chimney Bluffs State Park. Individuals chosen as Stewards will act as caretakers by educating the hiking
public about the sensitive and dynamic bluff environment and encourage hikers to walk on established trails
while practicing Leave No Trace ethics. Stewards will learn sustainable trail construction and design skills in
order to preserve and improve the historic trail systems within Chimney Bluffs Falls State Parks in order to
protect the unique character of the Lake Ontario bluff environment from the damaging effects of erosion and
hiker impact.
Duties may include:
o Complete trail maintenance and erosion control projects
o Educate Leave No Trace Outdoor Skills and Ethics, hiker best practices, while encouraging hikers to
follow New York State Parks regulations
o Provide hikers with interpretive education to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of
the Lake Ontario Bluff environment. Have information available about the natural history, ecology,
and botany of the area
o Gather visitor use data
These duties and tasks will support and enhance visitor experience in the parks, strengthen the academic programs
of students, and allow students to develop life-long connections to NYS parks. In addition, Stewards will gain
valuable field experience and learn organizational, leadership and communication skills that they will be able to
apply in their personal and professional lives. Stewards will also have the opportunity to network within NYS Parks
and other state agencies and learn the logistics of working at the state level.

Skills:

Hands on field work

Effectively work with students/ public

Communication Skills

Comfort in outdoors

Internship Areas: Education, Environmental Conservation, Scientific Research