Summit Steward

Summit Steward Program

Summit Stewards are responsible for educating the hiking public about the rare and fragile alpine communities of the High Peaks. A Summit Steward’s foremost goal is to encourage hikers to walk on the solid bedrock above timberline, thereby protecting the threatened and endangered flora of the alpine zone. As educators and interpretive naturalists, Summit Stewards teach hikers about:

 

1. Minimizing impact on alpine summits.
2. The significance of alpine vegetation in the context of the state’s natural heritage.
3. Alpine ecology.

 

The Summit Steward Program is a cooperative effort of the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), and the Adirondack Mountain Club.

 

Qualifications:

 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diversity of people.

 

• Commitment to stewardship and environmental education.

 

• Current enrollment in or completion of an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences is preferred.

 

• A strong knowledge of natural history (especially alpine botany), ecology, and the landscape of the Adirondacks.

 

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

 

• Speaking knowledge of French is preferred.

 

• Excellent physical condition and an ability to climb the High Peaks in a reasonable time, carrying a full pack. Also, tolerance of long hours outdoors, insects, and solitude. Must be willing to live and work outside during adverse weather conditions.

 

Position: Summit Steward

 

Location: Adirondack Mountain Club, Heart Lake Property

 

Position Dates: May 24- September 2 (ending date negotiable)

 

Work Schedule: 5 days on in the backcountry (including weekends) /2 days off

 

Compensation: unpaid internship, apply for Center for Environmental Studies stipend

 

Closing Date: February 4, 2019

 

Contact: Kayla White, Summit Steward Coordinator, chiefsteward@adk.org