Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleParks and Recreation Aide 4 (Regional Trail Technician) - Taconic Region
Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $19.04 to $19.04 Hourly
"Other" Explanation Seasonal, Full Time, Variable (Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs and emergencies.)
Workday
Duties Description POSITION OVERVIEW:
Build a path, while finding yours! The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) is seeking three seasonal Trail Technicians to assist with the management of some of the most diverse and popular trails across our State Parks system. The primary responsibility of the Regional Trail Technician(s) is to work as a team in the form of a trail crew, completing trail improvement projects that enhance regional trail resources.
The position will work throughout the Taconic Region, which covers Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties. Each morning check-in will be in Staatsburg, NY where a state vehicle will be provided for travel to work sites.
OVERVIEW OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of a Park & Recreation Specialist 1 in Taconic Region, the incumbent’s duties will include but are not limited to the following:
• Performing a variety of hands-on trail construction and maintenance projects (new trail construction, stonework, carpentry, trimming, trail sign installation, and so on).
• Using and maintaining tools and equipment properly and safely.
• Operating a State provided vehicle and filling out mileage logs daily.
• Utilizing State provided Personal Protection Equipment during work tasks (hard hat, gloves, eye protection, and ear protection).
• Interacting with and educating the public about work being done.
• Performing assessments of trail conditions, needs, and uses.
• Communicating and collaborating with supervisors, fellow trail crew members, staff across the organization, and volunteers.
• Demonstrating safe working practices and performing trail work while maintaining safe working conditions.
• Working on uneven and steep terrain, carrying and moving tools, materials, and equipment of up to 50lbs independently or more as a team.
• Demonstrating an attentiveness to detail while performing physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.).
• Working independently and as part of a team depending on project needs.
• Completing other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
There are no minimum qualifications per Civil Service.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Working knowledge of sustainable trail building techniques and Leave No Trace principles.
• Experience with outdoor labor, particularly with trail construction and maintenance, or other related experience (landscaping, carpentry, general construction, and so on).
• Experience with trail-related tools including shovels, picks, Mcleods, rock bars, loppers, and hand shears.
• Experience operating and maintaining chainsaws and heavy equipment.
• Degree* in or currently enrolled in environmental science, forestry, outdoor recreation, wildlife, fisheries, biology, Geography/GIS, urban or regional planning, landscape architecture, or equivalent discipline.
*Your educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm.
Additional Comments OPERATIONAL NEEDS:
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Ability to work throughout the Taconic Region, which covers Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties. Each morning check-in will be in Staatsburg, NY where a state vehicle will be provided for travel to work sites.
NOTE:
• Please consider applying for this position even if you do not meet all the listed qualifications or do not currently possess the preferred skills and knowledge included in the description. NYS OPRHP values a wide range of experience and education related to this position and is committed to professional development to train employees. The successful candidate may not have all these qualifications so if you have related experience, please apply.
POSITION SCHEDULE AND DURATION:
• This is a 6-month seasonal position of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, in the Parks and Recreation Aide 4 title. The position begins May 2025 and is funded through October 2025.
BENEFITS:
There are various benefits that a seasonal employee may be entitled to, including:
• New York State Retirement System Membership
• Tuition Assistance Programs
To learn more about our benefits for seasonal state employees, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address Devin.DeSantis@parks.ny.gov
Address
Street Taconic Regional Headquarters
9 Old Post Road
Notes on ApplyingPlease email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Devin DeSantis at Devin.DeSantis@parks.ny.gov. Please insert the words “PRA 4 - Trail Technician” in the subject line. For any questions regarding the position, please reach out to Devin DeSantis at the email above or by phone (845) 889-3864.
It is the responsibility of applicants to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications and agency operating needs.