Trail Stewardship Coordinator

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) seeks a Trail Stewardship Coordinator who is motivated, self-directed, and energetic with strong interest in outdoor environmental work to lead restoration projects on the multi-use trails in Van Cortlandt Park. The Trail Stewardship Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting and supervising volunteers and overseeing a seasonal stewardship team.

About Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) preserves, supports, and promotes the recreational, ecological, and historical value of Van Cortlandt Park. VCPA raises funds to support the park's operation, oversees 1,000 volunteers per year, educates 2,000 students, and provides cultural and environmental programming for the public, encouraging them to become stewards of this flagship park-the green jewel of the Bronx.

At 1,146 acres, Van Cortlandt Park is the third largest park in NYC, with over 20 miles of hiking, biking, and running trails. The park is perhaps most famous for its world-renowned 100 year-old cross country course, which comprises "flats" and challenging "back hills."

A crushed stone trail leads runners across the flat lawn of the Parade Ground, through the dry upland forest of Vault Hill, then up and over the hills of the Northwest Forest. With many high profile races during the fall season, and training during the summer, the trail needs constant maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape.

The Position

The Trail Stewardship Coordinator reports directly to VCPA's Deputy Director. In the field, this position will report to the Landscape & Natural Areas Manager, an employee of NYC Parks. This position will work closely with both VCPA and NYC Parks staff. Physical work includes excavating, trail tread maintenance, installing and resetting water bars and check steps, clearing swales, building boardwalks and turnpikes, correcting trip hazards, and pruning along trails. The Trail Stewardship Coordinator will also regularly recruit, organize, and supervise volunteer groups to assist in maintenance of the trails. During the summer and fall, they will supervise high school interns and seasonal staff on trail projects.

Ideally, the Trail Stewardship Coordinator will have equal parts interest in field and administrative work, and possess an entrepreneurial spirit. They will have a strong desire to build and grow the volunteer program and take it to the next level!

Employment Type: Full-Time