Catskill Steward

Job Overview

Catskill Steward 

About the Catskill Center 

The Catskill Center preserves and enriches the environmental, economic and cultural well-being of the Catskill region through collaboration, inspiration and stewardship. We believe that the vitality and prosperity of the Catskills depends on robust collaboration, thriving local communities and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. 

The Catskill Center operates the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC), the gateway to the Catskills and Catskill Park, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). The CVC offers interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, accessible nature trails, a pavilion, a fire tower, and year-round events. 

To learn more, visit www.catskillcenter.org. 

Position Description 

We are searching for up to seven highly motivated and reliable seasonal Catskill Stewards to help protect Catskills wilderness. As the Catskills have become increasingly popular in the last several years, previously pristine destinations have experienced ecological damage from overuse. Catskill Stewards will provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the public at top Catskills outdoor recreation destinations. 

This is an early career position suited for someone who loves the outdoors, enjoys challenges, and seeks a physically active position that helps protect important natural areas. 

Seven seasonal full-time positions are available. The season runs from May 9 – September 13, 2022. Training is provided; travel to the training site is required. All positions are located in an outdoor environment with minimal facilities available. Based on Steward preference and program need, Catskill Stewards will be assigned to top Catskills destinations: the Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, Platte Clove Preserve, as well as multiple backcountry locations. 

Full-time Stewards will work five days each week including weekends and holidays. These Stewards will work on a rotating basis located at the Peekamoose Blue Hole,

Kaaterskill Falls, and Platte Clove Preserve. An additional steward will work as the Ridge Runner in the Catskill Forest Preserve backcountry primarily located on the Devil’s Path. 

The Peekamoose Blue Hole is located by Denning, NY, within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Sundown Wild Forest, a secluded wilderness area of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Kaaterskill Clove on Route 23A east of Tannersville, NY, within the NYSDEC’s Kaaterskill Wild Forest. Easily accessible to the general public, Kaaterskill Falls is one of the top three visited locations in the Catskill Park. The Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve lies south of Platte Clove Road where the Long Path crosses Platte Clove Road. The Ridge Runner will be stationed primarily on the Devil’s Path in Elka Park NY. The Devil’s Path is a 24-mile trail spanning five peaks with a total accumulation of 9,000 ft of elevation gain. This position is open to one highly qualified individual with a demonstrated ability to live outdoors for extended periods of time. This position will cover vast areas of the Catskills specifically at popular backcountry locations. 

Job Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Visitor Experience & Steward Coordinator the Catskill Steward will: 

• Steward Program 

○ Travel to different trailheads to welcome and educate the public about the area, the New York City watershed, the Catskill Park, and Catskill Forest Preserve as applicable; 

○ Introduce visitors to Leave No Trace Principles and responsible recreation; 

○ Check permits and sign in visitors where applicable; 

○ Familiarize visitors with the Catskills Visitor Center and the Catskill Center; 

○ Follow set guidelines for maintaining COVID-19 safety guidelines; ○ Direct visitors to dispose of litter and trash correctly; 

○ Suggest alternative recreation destinations as appropriate; 

○ Perform routine trail maintenance and litter cleanup of trails, parking lots, and surrounding areas; 

○ Support on-site Forest Rangers and NYSDEC staff; 

○ Assist supervisor with reporting requirements; 

○ Complete other tasks as requested. 

• Catskills Visitor Center Programs 

○ Help with group clean-ups; 

○ Work in a team to provide weekly educational demonstrations; ○ Complete projects for the Catskill Visitor Center.

• Social Media 

○ Provide weekly photos/videos and captions to be submitted for social media; 

○ Take part in group videos and interviews. 

Required Qualifications 

• Demonstrated success in customer service or working with the public
•  Ability to work alone with minimal supervision 
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills
•  Demonstrated ability to ascend a 3500’ peak across uneven terrain in a backcountry setting 
• Ability to remain outdoors with minimal access to facilities and no cell phone service for eight hours at a time 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. 

Strong candidates will also have many of the following qualifications

• Knowledge of natural history, ecology, and recreational opportunities of the Catskill Park 
• Ability to speak conversational Spanish
• Empathy and patience 
• Experience teaching 
• CPR, First Aid and Wilderness First Aid certifications
• Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills 

Compensation 

$15.00-$17.00 per hour depending upon experience. Stewards will also have access to pro deals with a variety of different outdoor companies. 

Application 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until Friday, March 12th, 2022 or until the positions are filled. 

Please send an application package, including cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to 

[email protected]. 

The Catskill Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.