Forest and Conservation Worker jobs in Albany, NY

RYO Mission Statement

Supported by the work of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Dyken Pond Environmental Center and Grafton Lakes State Park, RYO is a network of these partners and more. Together, we introduce and engage children and families of Rensselaer County in the wonder, science, and adventure of nature in an effort to create a healthier, more sustainable community in an increasingly complex world.

Forest Conservation Corps Lead Staff

Job Description:

Forest Conservation Corps Lead Staff will work as a team of two and be responsible for mentoring 6 crews of 10 teens (1 crew a week) as they contribute to important stewardship work at conserved land across Rensselaer County. The crews will work on valuable conservation projects and be led by staff as they engage in environmental education, outdoor recreation, and exploration.

FCC Lead Staff will:

• Supervise teens age 14-16 as they learn hands-on skills such as trail maintenance and basic carpentry.
• Support teens emotionally as they build relationships with each other and complete physical labor and new experiences in the outdoors.
• Create opportunities for teens to develop a connection to the environment through service learning, exploration, and reflection.
• Co-design and lead participatory environmental educational opportunities for youth to learn about the local ecology and the land they’re working on.
• Help organize logistics for on-site projects and activities including deciding what activities are suitable for each site/ group, what tools and supplies are needed, transitioning youth between activities, ensuring best practices for safe working conditions, communicating with guest educators and land stewards at each site, and when needed, sticking to a schedule.
• Work with the Rensselaer Youth Outdoors Director to ensure a smooth transition between sites each week.

Applicants must be able to think on their feet and adapt to last-minute changes (e.g., weather disruptions, conflicts between youth, injuries) and be able to go off plan when necessary.

Experience needed: Experience working with youth, ideally teens age 14-16, is preferred, as well as some experience in outdoor recreation and/or environmental education. Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in environmental education (or science or studies), natural history, ecology, social work, secondary education, or other related fields. Ideal candidates may also have equivalent experience working a minimum of three years in the fields of education, conservation, or youth work, including as a summer camp counselor.

Dates: Interviews will begin in May. On-site training will begin on or around June 17th, 2024. FCC programming runs from July 1st - August 9th (Monday- Friday, excluding 7/4 – 7/5). On-site wrap-up and debrief will end by August 12th.

Job Requirements: Must be able to lift 50 pounds, navigate independently with youth on trails, sometimes without cell service, possess a valid driver’s license, and have access to your own vehicle.

Job Type: This is a seasonal position that is 8 weeks long, 40 hours per week. The hourly salary range is $22-$25/hour depending on experience.

How to apply: Please submit a statement of interest & resume to RYO Director Michala Hendrick at michala@rensselaerplateau.org. Put in the subject line: “FCC Lead Staff.” If you have any questions or if you are interested in learning more about the position, please reach out via email.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Payment frequency:

• Paid biweekly

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• No weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Rensselaer County, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person