Position Announcement

Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported nature preserve, is seeking a passionate individual with exceptional rock-climbing skills to fill the position of:

Climbing Ranger – Part-time

Who We Are
Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. We manage over 8,200 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams through four integrated programs – Conservation, Education, Stewardship, and Visitor Experience – and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, enjoy winter recreation and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the “Home of the Gunks,” one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. To read more about our Vision and learn more about the Preserve visit https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/.

Our Core Values

Teamwork: We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
Transparency: We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
Belonging:  We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
Exploration: We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
Stewardship: We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

About the Position:
We have a strong and dedicated Visitor Experience Department and Ranger staff. We are seeking an outgoing team member who loves the outdoors and has excellent rock climbing, communication and customer service skills, and experience working with the public. The Climbing Ranger will perform the duties required of the Ranger corps and their efforts to ensure a safe and positive visitor experience. The position is seasonal from April through November and is supervised by the Chief Ranger.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:

  • Perform patrol of Mohonk Preserve lands as directed by supervising rangers
  • Engage and assist visitors; mediate conflicts; collect day fees and/or promote and collect memberships; provide Public Programming as needed
  • When necessary, coordinate and provide technical rescue services to persons in distress
  • When necessary, provide emergency medical care following established protocols
  • Participate in and provide services as needed during on-land Search And Rescue (SAR) incidents, wildland fire events, prescribed burns or other emergency situations
  • Serve as initial response during emergency incidents with the ability to assess and determine resources needed to prioritize lifesaving care and resource protection
  • Enforce Mohonk Preserve rules and regulations
  • Participate in and, in the absence of a supervisor, lead After Action Reviews following emergency incidents, provide feedback and guidance to participants and supervisors as needed

What You’ll Bring:
At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you have a less traditional background.

  • Experienced rock climber with the ability to ascend (without the aid of a top-rope) traditional rock climbs of at least 5.6 YDS required
  • Certified as Wilderness First Responder and Basic Life Support CPR required – ongoing training provided. Recertification is required every two years.
  • Completion of a Wildland Search Skills course within one year of hire required
  • Completion of chainsaw safety training within 1 year of hire; yearly refresher required
  • Capable of hiking 5 miles on technical, graded terrain while carrying 45 lbs. and ability to ascend/descend steep, rugged outdoor terrain
  • Ability to position self to provide adequate patient care in outdoor terrain
  • Interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide conflict intervention; sensitivity to needs of the public; and courtesy to the public
  • Communication abilities including written, oral and presentation skills; experience communicating with and welcoming various audiences
  • Willingness to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays
  • Commitment to ensuring that all people are respected and welcomed at Mohonk Preserve
  • Have a current driver’s license, ability to drive stick shift preferred
  • Proficient computer skills – Microsoft Office 365 applications, remote work platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom)
  • Bonus Skills:
      • Experience in Outdoor Education, Recreation Management and/or Public Safety preferred
      • Have completed a minimum of 40 hours of technical rescue instruction from a reputable agency or organization by the date of hire
      • Provide proof of passing Wildland Firefighting Arduous Pack Test (walk on flat ground for 3 miles in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack) within one year of hire date and repeat test annually
      • Certified as Wildland Firefighter Type 2 or higher
      • Knowledge of cultural and natural history of the Shawangunk Mountains and Mohonk Preserve
      • Working knowledge of GIS including familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS products
      • Experience navigating off-trail using GPS coordinates
      • Bi-lingual or multi-lingual

Physical Demands:

  • Ability to traverse and navigate deep, backcountry, off-trail land conditions of varying, sometimes extremely rugged, mountain terrain while carrying equipment
  • Frequently works outdoors for extended periods performing strenuous physical labor
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Rock climbing, standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment
  • May operate a variety of hand and mid-sized power tools/equipment
  • Drives vehicles and equipment
  • Uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes
  • Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve

Total Rewards Package:
This is a part-time, non-exempt position

  • Salary: $20-$24 per hour based on experience and qualifications
  • Direct Payroll Deposit
  • Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
  • Access to lands and activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including employment status.

Location:
Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position will be based out of the Preserve’s Undercliff House (aka Ranger Station) adjacent to the Visitor Center. This position is primarily an on-site, outdoors position. Generally standard working hours, with some flexibility, to be coordinated with supervisor. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

How to Apply:
Email your resume and a one-page cover letter tying your experience to specifics in the job responsibilities and 3 professional references (include phone and email) to: ranger@mohonkpreserve.org with the subject line “Climbing Ranger.”

Position is open until filled. No phone calls please. Anticipated start date of this position is April 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Mohonk Preserve is an equal employment opportunity employer dedicated to creating a culture where employees from various backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. Mohonk Preserve encourages applications from women, minorities and/or other underrepresented groups. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who require them based on disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, and religion. Accommodations are meant to enable employees to perform the essential functions of their positions without imposing an undue hardship on our operations. If you require an accommodation, please contact human resources.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

Banner photo by Gerald Liddelow