Blue Mountain Summer Summit Steward

Summit Steward – Blue Mountain

Fire Tower Friends of Blue Mountain Fire Tower & NYS DEC

Blue Mountain Lake, NY

$11.50/hr – Seasonal Position during the 2021 Summer

4/7/2021 Application Deadline or First 50 Applicants

Applicants should send their resume and cover letter to Nicholas.Addison@dec.ny.gov with “2021 Blue Mountain Summit Steward” as the Subject.

Summit Steward will conduct public education, outreach, and interpretation at the Blue Mountain Fire Tower in the form of spoken or written communications interpreting the history, values, and information concerning the Blue Mountain Fire Tower, observer’s cabin, local flora and fauna, geology, hydrology, history, facts, and general information on the Forest Preserve, Adirondack Park, and Department of Environmental Conservation. Emphasis is place on the Steward’s ability to educate the public on the history of Blue Mountain and the Blue Mountain Fire Tower, be able to identify mountain peaks and waterbodies from the fire tower, and perform general trail maintence as needed.

This position is located at the summit of Blue Mountain (3,759’ asl), at the Blue Mountain Fire Tower, and will be housed at the summit within the historic Observer’s Cabin. The Observer’s Cabin has electricity, a coffee maker, small refrigerator, electric hot plate, bed, and cell service. Potable water will be transported to the steward by the Wildlands Manager or the local Forest Ranger on a bi-weekly basis (or as needed). A privy will be provided for the exclusive use of the Steward. Showers can be obtained via the use of a solar shower or at the Lake Durant State Campground, 5-miles from the Blue Mountain Trailhead.

This is a semi-remote location, there will be hundreds of visitors who visit the tower daily, but the only way into the nearby Town of Blue Mountain Lake is via the 2-mile trail to the base of the mountain and then a 2-mile drive into town. It is preferred for the Steward to have a personal vehicle, but not required—this may be parked at the base of the mountain at the trailhead and can provide the Steward access to the nearby towns for restocking of food, consumables, and other personable items.

The position will be a seasonal, full-time position during the Summer of 2021. While the start and end dates are flexible, the position will be active from late-May to mid-August (approximately 10-weeks); with the position not exceeding 400-hours. The Steward will work from 8:00am-4:30pm, 5-days a week, Thursday thru Monday, with Tuesday and Wednesday off.

The Steward will need to be able to cope with insects, heat, rain, sudden weather changes, and public interaction.

The responsibilities of the Summit Steward are as follows:

•Conduct public education, outreach, and interpretation at the Blue Mountain Fire Tower in the form of spoken or written communications interpreting the history, values, and information concerning the Blue Mountain Fire Tower, observer’s cabin, local natural, geological, and hydrological history and facts, and general information on the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve, and Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

•Prevent vandalism and the disposal of garbage anywhere at the mountain summit, along the trail, and the trailhead. When and where garbage disposal does occur, the Steward will be responsible for cleaning it up.

•Will be responsible for raising and lowering the U.S.A flag (attached to the fire tower) while on duty.

•Retain a written record of the number of visitors at the fire tower/mountain summit.

•While on duty the Summit Steward will adhere to a dress code.

•During low-use periods the Summit Steward may paint over graffiti and vandalism that occurs on the fire tower. Paint and materials will be provided by the Department.

•Operate a radio to communicate with Forest Rangers and Dispatch concerning emergencies.

•Notify the Department, through the current Land Manager/Forester or the Northville Supervising Forester, of any issues with the fire tower or cabin.