Sustainability - North Wood Steward

The Skidmore Sustainability Office is hiring two students for the North Woods Steward team (two

stewards total). The Office is looking for organized, self-directed, responsible students who have

some existing skills regarding trail maintenance, outdoor education, communication, and/or related

fields. A successful applicant will have good public relations skills and be comfortable

interacting with visitors in the North Woods.

The North Woods Stewards maintain the health, diversity, and accessibility of the North Woods. Each student is responsible for removing invasive plant species, maintaining the trail system, leading educational tours, and maintaining the North Woods social media pages. Stewards will also design and complete an independent project. Finally, Stewards will assist the Community Garden Manager with garden related duties on a weekly basis. The North Woods Stewards positions extend from Monday, June 1 to Friday, August 7th 2020. Stewards will work 25 hours per week, and the weekly schedule will be finalized between the stewards and Sustainability Office staff at the position start date in May. The North Woods Stewards will report to the Sustainability Coordinator of

Student Programming.

•   Maintain, monitor and record physical appearance/health of the woods, including litter removal

and trail maintenance;

•   Remove and map invasive species in the North Woods;

•   Inform visitors about the details and goals of the stewardship program;

•   Maintain kiosks and trail signage;

•   Work with the GIS lab to continue to update and create data points and maps of the North

Woods;

•   Compile research into a useable format for future North Woods Stewards and others;

•   Help maintain the North Woods website, manage the North Woods Blog and Facebook page;

•   Conduct public outreach, such as lectures and guided hikes for community groups and others;

•   Assist the Community Garden Manager for about 5 hours/week working on garden tasks like

planting, weeding, harvesting, and delivering food to the dining hall;

•   Develop an independent research project linked to the North Woods; independent projects should be completed by August 7th;

•   Write a report summarizing the summer North Woods and/or sustainability projects, due

August 7th.

▪   CPR & First Aid certification

▪   GIS coursework

▪   Coursework in the natural sciences

▪   Previous experience in trail maintenance

▪   Submission of cover letter including potential project ideas, resume, and contact information for two references (at least one Skidmore faculty/staff)

▪   Background check as required for all Skidmore College summer staff

▪   Passion for sustainability and the outdoors

▪   Some previous experience with physical work

▪   Previous experience in community outreach or education

▪   Self-Starter