STA program recruiting

Sisters Trail Alliance (STA) is currently recruiting high school students for the Youth Ambassador program which started last summer with three high school students and will be active again this summer.

This part-time summer position is perfect for young people with a strong interest in environmental conservation, outdoor recreation, the Forest Service, or related fields. STA encourages Youth Trail Ambassadors to tailor the role according to their passions, empowering them to strengthen their resumes, college applications, and overall life experiences.

Key responsibilities and duties of the ambassadors will be to act as friendly faces and resources for trail users at popular trailheads during peak hours throughout the summer season. They will promote responsible trail ethics and practices, including adherence to “leave no trace” principles and sustainable trail use practices. They will engage with trail users and visitors to promote environmental awareness and trail preservation. Educating users on “share the trail” principles and distributing informational brochures will also be done by the ambassadors. They will be available to provide visitors with important trail information and collect user feedback through surveys to gather data on trail conditions, signage, and on-the-trail experiences.

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age at the start of enrollment. They will need to be flexible in work hours, including two-to-four-hour shifts on Friday afternoons and Saturdays and Sundays, the most popular use times for the trails. They must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. and provide a valid U.S. social security number. The position pays $18/hour.

Eric Benedon, the new Volunteer and Events Coordinator, hopes to recruit more young people for this summer and “welcomes their youthful exuberance.” He believes the job will empower them and provide an opportunity to strengthen their existing skills and develop new ones. Applicants are encouraged to bring their current interests and skills to the position. During downtime at the trailhead when few hikers are present, they will be encouraged to study the birds, wildflowers, and wildlife in the area. They will also be encouraged to read books on the human/nature connection.

“This will be a great opportunity to share the trails with locals and visitors while meeting a variety of people,” Benedon said.

To apply for the program, send a cover letter to coordinator@sisterstrails.org. Include interest in the program, your grade in school next year, and contact information. Candidates will have a personal interview with STA Executive Director Stephanie Presley and Benedon.