Catskill Park Trail Steward

We need YOU to protect the Catskills!!

Catskill Mountainkeeper is searching for up to four highly motivated and reliable seasonal Catskill Stewards to help protect Catskills wilderness and recreation areas. The Catskills have become increasingly popular in the last several years, and previously pristine destinations have experienced ecological damage from high use. Catskill Stewards will provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the public at top Catskills outdoor recreation destinations to help orient visitors and minimize high-use impacts.

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

The season, including training time, runs from May 5 to October 12, 2026. Paid training is provided; travel via personal vehicle to the training and worksites are required. All positions are located outdoors with minimal facilities available. Stewards will be assigned on a rotating basis to top Catskills destinations in the Beaverkill Valley: including, but not limited to, Big Pond, Alder Lake, and the Beaverkill Covered Bridge Day Use Area.

Stewards work 9am-4pm Thursday - Monday each week including holidays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are off), May 5 to October 12, in all except dangerous weather conditions. Pay is $21/hour for those who meet the required qualifications below.

Job Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Steward Coordinator, the Catskill Stewards will:

• Welcome and inform the public about the area: the Delaware Watershed, Beaverkill Valley, the Catskill Park and Catskill Forest Preserve as appropriate
• Introduce visitors to and inspire them to adopt Leave No Trace principles
• Familiarize visitors with Catskill Mountainkeeper, the Catskill Center, and NYS public lands
• Direct visitors to dispose of litter and trash correctly
• Collect and dispose of litter and trash as appropriate
• Suggest alternative recreation destinations as appropriate
• Support on-site Forest Rangers and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation staff
• Assist supervisor with reporting requirements
• Complete other tasks as requested

Required Qualifications

• Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills
• Excellent communication, public speaking and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work alone under minimal supervision
• Ability to remain outdoors with minimal access to facilities and no cell phone service for eight hours at a time
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to/from training site and work sites
• Ability to lift 30 lbs

Strong candidates will also have the following qualifications:

• Knowledge of natural history, ecology, and recreational opportunities of the Catskill Park
• Spanish proficiency

Paid training and mileage reimbursement for training days.

Fluency in English.