Position Summary
The Catskills Assistant Program Coordinator supports the Trail Conference’s Catskill Mountains region (Ulster, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene & Schoharie Counties in general). This position supports the Catskill Conservation Corps, a partnership between the Trail Conference and the NYS DEC. The person in this position will work with Trail Conference staff, partners and volunteer leaders within the region to implement priorities to accomplish broad overall goals for the trail system. As part of this process, the following activities will be required:
Volunteer Development
Assist in pursuing new sources of volunteer workforce to integrate with existing volunteers and focus on their involvement by helping to address training and resource needs in key project areas. The assistant program coordinator helps to cultivate potential volunteer leaders and familiarizes them with trail management responsibilities and Trail Conference policies and procedures. The assistant program coordinator helps manage the Catskill Conservation Corps (CCC) program helping Volunteer Service Agreements holders recruit volunteers.
Volunteer Support
Assist volunteers through organizing and supporting trail crew work trip and Trail Conference Trail University workshops and CCC programs. Assist in management of trail tool caches and training supplies. The assistant program coordinator will help to ensure compliance with guidelines related to partnership agreements, safety and Trail Conference policies for work trips and workshops.
Trail Development & Management
The assistant program coordinator works with volunteers to upgrade trails throughout the region. The assistant program coordinator helps identify training and recruitment needs by taking part in the organization and management of workshops, events and communications for both the Trail Conference and the CCC.
The assistant program coordinator helps manage the CCC program, to ensure contract requirements are being met. This includes organizing workshops and work trips ensuring proper documentation is submitted.
Information
The assistant program coordinator is expected to serve as a clearinghouse for information about Trail Conference maintained trails in the Catskills region and assist senior staff in developing a communications plan for the Catskills region.
Skills & Experience Required:
- Associates degree or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of one year of relevant professional experience or three years of substantial volunteer experience.
- Experience working with volunteers, field staff, agency personnel and recreational users.
- Must be a self-starter, able to prioritize, to handle multiple tasks across a diverse region, use good judgment and offer recommendations to solve problems.
- Ability and willingness to travel and work a variable schedule including ongoing availability on evenings and weekends.
- Proficient using Microsoft Office.
- Able to post and edit website content as well as be proficient in all social media, while following branding standards.
- Experience with data entry and database work.
- The ability to hike on backcountry trails, ability to lift and carry heavy loads, ability to perform physical trail work, travel off trail when scouting or planning trail routes, and to work in all weather conditions.
- Ability to work alongside volunteers using a variety of trail tools.
- Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license and insurance.
- Able and willing to go to Trail Conference Headquarters in Mahwah NJ with Catskills Program Coordinator or alone when required.
- Able to attend meetings and represent the Trail Conference.
- Other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator, Senior Program Coordinator or the Deputy Director.
- Resident within commuting distance of the Catskill Park.
Desirable Qualifications
- Trail design, construction and maintenance skills.
- Experience in recruiting, training and managing volunteers
- Experience in community organizing.
- Certifications and/or proficiencies in technical skills such as chainsaw operation, wilderness medical training and GIS.
- Success working with volunteers.
- Experience in natural resource management, outdoor education, planning, public administration, environmental education or a related field.
Schedule
This is year round, part time position with a 2-4 day work week (not to exceed 30 hours a week) depending on the season, work load and scheduling needs. The work schedule will include Fridays, Saturdays and occasional holidays.
Supervision and Work Environment
The assistant program coordinator is under the direct supervision of the Catskills Program Coordinator; however he or she is expected to prioritize his or her work to meet the day-to-day demands and ongoing assignments. The assistant program coordinator is expected to communicate regularly on work projects and seek advice on new or controversial aspects of the work. The Trail Conference fosters a collegial work environment within a management team that includes volunteers and staff, as well as our partners. Travel throughout the region and an irregular work schedule that includes evenings and weekends is a regular part of the position.
Application
To apply, please submit all of the following items via email attachments (start all attachment filenames with your last name) to jobs@nynjtc.org:
1. A resume
2. A cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and what differentiates you from other applicants
3. Your salary requirements or history
This position is available until filled. Candidate interviews will begin immediately and continue until an offer is made. No Calls Please. Check www.nynjtc.org/job-openings to determine if the position is filled.