The Student Conservation Association (SCA)
UPDATES: Hiring for 2022!
Hiring:
2022 NH Conservation Corps - Field Crew Member
Have you ever wanted to live in a park where you can explore thousands of acres of prime New England forest? Do you want to make life-long friends who are passionate about the environment and from all over the United States? Does the chance to learn conservation and leadership skills and start your career off with a one-of-a-kind experience sound exciting? If you said yes to any or all of these questions, then the New Hampshire Conservation Corps is the place for you!
The SCA NH Corps is a collaboration between the SCA, the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and AmeriCorps. Since 1994 the SCA NH Corps has provided over one million hours of service to the great little state of New Hampshire while training young adults to do valuable conservation work. Each year young adult volunteers contribute thousands of service hours, Interpretive Rangers providing environmental education programs to the state’s residents and visitors and Field Crew Members completing conservation service projects to improve and protect the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources from the Atlantic Coast to the White Mountains and beyond.
Training Season:
This season runs from April - mid June. Throughout the training season you will learn from experienced staff and trainers as you engage in:
SCA, AmeriCorps, and NH State Park policies and protocols;
Leadership development and teamwork discussions and scenarios;
Camp skills and Leave No Trace;
Trail Maintenance and Construction;
Carpentry skills;
Chainsaw or trail rigging training;
Advanced Wilderness First Aid, and more!
Conservation Season:
This season runs from mid June-October. During this time members will serve in the field on “hitch” crews of their peers for periods of 11 days (10 service days with 1 day off). Hitches consist of high priority conservation projects with a focus on public lands access, visitor experience and safety, and recreation site protection such as erosion control and revegetation. NH Corps crews use traditional trail skills, restoration techniques, carpentry skills, and physical labor to complete an array of projects while camping for the duration of each project period. Locations for these service projects vary from frontcountry campgrounds to backcountry sites in the White Mountain National Forest and Great North Woods. The service you will be completing may include:
Building bridges (native timber and lumber)
Rock work; (staircases, stepping stones)
Cruising trails to address maintenance needs
Building camping shelters and kiosks
Constructing new trails
Installing trail structures to limit erosion
Backcountry site assessments
Invasive species management
Historic preservation and more!
Through this 7 month commitment you will serve communities throughout New Hampshire while contributing as active members of the SCA NH Conservation Corps program. For more general information about this and other positions with the SCA NH Corps please visit, https://www.thesca.org/NHcorps.
Position Benefits:
Stipend $6,181 – $206.06/week
AmeriCorps Education Award $4,441.50, for qualifying educational expenses and loans, upon completion of 1200 hours of service
All food is provided – estimated value is $1500
Housing is provided – estimated value is $4,000
Health Insurance – $360/month
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) and CPR Certification - $475
Game of Logging Chainsaw Certification* - $400
Rigging and Griphoist Use for Trail Work* - $400
Leave No Trace (LNT) Outdoor Ethics Training - $150
* You will receive one of these trainings.
Requirements in Order to Serve:
Needs to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.
US citizenship is required.
Ability to pass required state and federal background checks.
Location Description
Bear Brook State Park:
This position is unique in that service takes place all over the state. However, the program’s home base, which includes “rustic camp” cabins is Spruce Pond Camp within Bear Brook State Park (BBSP). BBSP is the largest developed state park in New Hampshire with over 10,000 acres and 40 miles of trails. Whether you are headed from here to do service or just have fun recreating you will certainly enjoy the trails, ponds, wildlife and other gems this park and state have to offer.
Conservation Service Locations:
During the program you may have the opportunity to serve in the alpine zone of the White Mountain National Forest, at the Atlantic Seacoast, among the spruce-fir forests of the Great North Woods, or beside one of NH’s picturesque lakes or rivers.
Summer 2022 Alaska Corps and Fire Corps Project Leaders
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks applicants to mentor and inspire young adults for conservation Corps Teams and All-Female Fire Corps Teams in Alaska. Project Leaders supervise a crew of 3-4 AmeriCorps members aged 18 to 30. Corps Teams work with multiple state and federal partners throughout Alaska’s front and back country. Work projects are a mix of trail construction and maintenance, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. Project Leaders coordinate with agency partners to plan and implement projects, and with SCA staff to manage crew safety, performance, and logistics in the field. A Project Leader lives and works with their crew for the duration of the season at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Fire Corps Team leaders must have chainsaw experience, but do not need prior wildland fire experience. Leaders will go through the National Park Service Fire Academy with their members, earning their Red Card if able to pass the pack test (walk 3 miles in 45 minutes with 45-pound pack). Fire Corps Teams will perform fuels reduction in Katmai, Denali, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks, and will be assigned to an NPS Wildland Fire crew for at least 2 weeks during the season, earning $19.67/hour as an NPS employee during that assignment.
A successful Project Leader will…
Act as a Team Supervisor by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding group dynamics and community-building, and being transparent and receptive to ideas when making decisions.
Serve as a Teacher by mentoring personal and professional development, teaching environmental stewardship, and teaching conflict resolution skills.
Act as a Project Manager by coordinating with agency partners to ensure successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA.
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator by organizing logistics, completing timely documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff, agency partners, and their own team members.
Compensation: 750 to $800 per week (DOE), paid training, up to $1,300 travel reimbursement, meals, and lodging
Qualifications:
Must have a current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification by the start of training*
*A WFR course is available to leaders in Anchorage May 3 – May 11, leaders must pay for the course out of pocket, but will be paid salary during that time and housing/camping will be provided
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets SCA standards
Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
Experience working with youth or young adults, managing group dynamics, teaching, or environmental education
Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred (e.g. trail maintenance, chainsaw)
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day while exposed to the elements, and occasionally lift 40 pounds or more
Ability to implement and enforce SCA COVID policies and procedures
Comfortable being off the grid in remote, outdoor living settings
Experience in Alaska preferred
2022 USFS Roving Resource Crew Leader
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire with the 2022 USFS Roving Resource Crew.
Position Dates (subject to change):
Project Leader Training (paid, location TBD): 4/16/2022 to 4/28/2022
Leader season start on site: 5/9/2022
Member season start: 5/23/2022
Leader end date: 9/18/2022
The 2022 USFS Roving Resource Crew Leader will work with four crew members for 16 weeks in National Forests across multiple states. The leader will get additional time for leadership training, and to prepare for the team’s on-site arrival and departure. Training for all members include SCA orientation, Forest Service training on conducting Recreation Site Condition Surveys (both paper and tablet forms), and various recreation site and trail update task trainings.
Following training, the USFS Roving Resource Crew will work with partners at the US Forest Service to collect site information at National Forest recreation sites. Other duties include collecting photos that can be used on Recreation.gov, as well as some trail and campground maintenance (trail brushing, sign installation, fire ring installation, picnic table installation, painting, other routine maintenance).
This a great opportunity to travel and camp at different National Forests, while collecting critical data that will be used for site improvements through the Great American Outdoors Act. You will work in up to 10 National Forests, with a potential focus on sites in Ohio, West Virginia, Minnesota and Michigan. A typical schedule consists of five consecutive 8-hour days with two days off. This position is ideal for candidates who have a strong attention to detail, are looking for SCA leadership positions that are not primarily trails-based, and are skilled at figuring out logistics.
All SCA program participants are required to be fully vaccinated. Full vaccination is defined as having received a booster shot six months after the Pfizer and Moderna primary series and two months after the Johnson & Johnson primary series.
Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
Act as a Corps Team Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
Serve as an Advisor, by training members in conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff
Qualifications:
Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education a plus
Experience with basic technology (tablets, digital cameras, etc.), and data collection a plus
Experience with conservation work skills and/or related skills preferred – i.e. trail maintenance, habitat restoration, photography, light carpentry, painting, landscaping, and gardening
Ability to adjust to a flexible schedule and coordinate changes with staff and/or agency partners
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have ability to legally work in the US
Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
Compensation/Benefits:
$650/week total salary, paid bi-weekly. Training time is paid.
Stipend of up to $1,150 is available to offset travel costs.
Housing and field-based meals.
SCA Leader Training and trainings on site with USFS partners
2022 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Leader
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire as a 2022 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Team Leader.
Position Dates (subject to change):
Leader Training: 5/14/2022 - 5/22/2022 or 6/5/2022 - 6/12/2022
Leader season dates: Early June – late August 2022 (dates vary by site)
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a youth summer employment opportunity for young people across the country. Through this program, leaders are hired, trained, and supported by the Student Conservation Association. After training, leaders travel to partner sites where they lead teams of local high school (ages 15-18) members.
YCC teams work with a variety of partners, such as national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. Team members travel to and from work sites each day, typically working a five-day work week with one day focused on environmental education. Educational activities are planned by the YCC team leader. YCC teams complete meaningful projects that require hard work and cooperation. Work projects may include building and improving trails, removing invasive plants, and contributing to wildlife management programs.
In this position, leaders have weeknights and weekends off. Depending on the YCC position, housing may be provided. Leaders may need access to a personal vehicle to travel to and from the work site each day.
All SCA program participants are required to be fully vaccinated. Full vaccination is defined as having received a booster shot six months after the Pfizer and Moderna primary series and two months after the Johnson & Johnson primary series.
Prior YCC team leaders have served at the following sites:
Catoctin Mountain Park, MD
Eastern VA Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex, VA
Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge, VA
The YCC team leader’s primary responsibilities are to:
Act as a Team Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
Serve as an Advisor, by training your team in conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff
Qualifications:
Experience working with youth, teaching or environmental education, program development a plus
Experience with conservation work skills and/or related skills preferred – i.e. trail maintenance, habitat restoration, light carpentry, painting, landscaping, and gardening
Ability to adjust to a flexible schedule and coordinate changes with your group and/or agency partners
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Current First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have ability to legally work in the US
Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
Compensation/Benefits:
$600/week total salary, paid bi-weekly. Training time is paid.
Stipend of up to $1,000 is available to offset travel costs.
Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps Crew Leader (SMRC)
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire youth and young adult participants in the Summer 2022 Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps program within the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex.
Location: Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Training Dates: Mid-June 2022 (mandatory paid training, exact dates TBA)
Program Dates: June 27, 2022 – August 12, 2022 (dates estimated within one week, exact dates TBA)
Primary Responsibilities:
The Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps is a six-week employment opportunity for local youth and young adults that provides opportunities for skills training, empowerment, and employment while working to restore natural and recreational resources in Maryland State Parks and public lands. Crew Leaders work to guide and inspire a team of underserved youth or young adults through conservation projects in the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration, landscaping, light construction projects, and trail work. Each Leader is based out of a specific State Park for the duration of the program and utilizes a rental vehicle provided by SCA to transport Members to and from project sites. Crews will consist of up to five Members and one Leader. Depending on the status of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to conclude the season with a graduation ceremony and camping trip that Crew Leaders will help facilitate, to celebrate the crews’ accomplishments!
Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff
Qualifications:
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Current First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training
Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: Early-Mid June 2022, dates TBA
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have ability to legally work in the US
Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
Required to demonstrate full and up-to-date vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief
Must have personal housing arrangements near the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex
Experience working with youth or young adults [ages 15-24], teaching or environmental education a plus
Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e. trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
Compensation: $720/week total salary, paid training
2022 Conservation Trail Corps Project Leader Positions
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire teams for the 2022 Summer Season in the East, West and Alaska.
Summer Season Dates
Track 1
Leader Training: 4/18/2022 – 4/30/2022
Leader Planning Period & Member Training Prep: 5/1/2022 – 5/16/2022
Members Training Dates: 5/16/2022 – 5/28/2022
Track 2
Leader Training: 4/18/2022 – 4/30/2022
Leader Planning Period & Member Training Prep: 5/23/2022 – 6/5/2022
Members Training Dates: 6/6/2022 – 6/18/2022
Project Duration: Projects range from 9 weeks to 26 weeks in duration. Project Leader placements will be determined based on leader candidates’ experience, skills/certifications, and availability.
Leader Training Location: Multiple Training Locations, depends on position placement
Position Summary:
Project leaders are responsible for daily management and supervision of a Conservation Trail Corps project in either backcountry or a front-country site with members 18 & older. Project Leaders coordinate with agency partners to plan and implement projects, and with SCA staff to manage crew safety, performance, and logistics in the field. Leaders are required to perform the administrative tasks to track project outcomes, approve members’ timesheets, and manage a field budget.
Program Description:
SCA’s Conservation Trail Corps is a team-based program designed to introduce crew members to the rigors of conservation fieldwork and practice the interpersonal skills required in a team environment. Teams engage in project work focused on trail-building and maintenance. Teams work with a variety of land managers including National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish, and Wildlife Service, State Parks, etc.
The crews will begin their program with a two-week field-based training program before traveling to their respective project sites. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members learn and practice all the requisite hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful conservation project.
During the season, the teams will live and work together. All participants should plan to tent throughout the season. There may be exceptions for front country-based crews to have permanent housing. A work-field hitch will vary between sites and may be set as 4, 10 hour days, or 5, 8 hour days, for example.
Field-life is rugged, and while on hitch, members should expect to live without electricity, running water, and cell phone reception; additionally, while on hitch, this program is alcohol and substance-free.
Projects frequently change, so check back often for project updates.(Please note- placements will be determined by matching leader candidate skills with project needs)
Summer Teams
2022 Western Roving Trail Corps (WFR is required)
Crew size: 1 Project Leader, 4 Corps Members
Location: Multiple Locations; expect extensive travel.
Description: Roving crews will work at multiple locations over the course of their season. Projects will vary in scope and duration and can include front-country and backcountry trail maintenance, invasive species removal, fence removal/repair, installing signs and kiosks, restoration work, and fuels mitigation. If you are highly organized and you like to travel, these crews are for you.
California Backcountry Trail Corps: (WFR is required)
Crew size: 1-2 Project Leaders, 3-6 members
Location: Multiple locations throughout California.
Description: Several teams will be looking to restore trails damaged from massive wildfires. The crews will be mostly working on backcountry trails and many will be crosscut certified to help log out the trails. Depending on the project site, some crews may get chainsaw certified.
Pacific Crest Trail Crews (WFR is required)
Crew size: 1 Project Leader, 4 Corps Members
Location: Multiple sites along the Pacific Crest Trail
Description: These backcountry crews will be living and working in remote sections Pacific Crest Trail. Projects may include clearing downed logs, tread and drainage work, rockwork, and clearing debris off the trail to make it safe for users.
Alaska Corps Teams (WFR is required)
Dates: Track 1
Crew size: 1 Project Leader, 4 Corps Members
Location: Vary across Alaska, expect remote locations and travel
Description: Teams will work together for the duration of the season. They will either work with 1 agency partner throughout the duration of the season or 2-4 partners in a “Roving” team. The crews will focus on trail maintenance projects. Due to the remoteness of the teams, strong communication skills and group dynamic leadership is required for these positions.
Blue Ridge Parkway Trail Team (WFA is required)
Dates: Track 1
Crew size: 1 Leader, 3 Members
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway (near Vesuvius, VA)
Description: This team will work to rehabilitate three separate trails (Catoctin, and two parts of the Humpback Rocks Farm area of the AT).
Land Between The Lakes Corps Team (WFA is required)
Dates: Track 2
Crew size: 1 Leader, 3 Members
Description: This team will be working on kiosk installation throughout Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Golden Pond, KY.
Primary Responsibilities:
Act as a Team Supervisor by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding group dynamics and community-building, and being transparent and receptive to ideas when making decisions.
Serve as a Teacher by mentoring personal and professional development, teaching environmental stewardship, and teaching conflict resolution skills.
Act as a Project Manager by coordinating with agency partners to ensure successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA.
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator by organizing logistics, completing timely documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff, agency partners, and their own team members.
Qualifications:
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
Must have ability to legally work in the US.
Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards required
Ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
Must be able to attend mandatory Crew Leader training: Summer Season 4/18/2022 – 4/30/2022
Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training for front country project placements; Wilderness First Responder certification is required for backcountry Project Leaders.
Experience working with young adults 18 and older; managing group dynamics; teaching in an outdoor environment a plus
Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e. habitat restoration, trail maintenance, trail construction, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Not required to provide own housing during the dates of the program.
Ability to implement and enforce SCA COVID policies and procedures
Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; All SCA program participants are required to be fully vaccinated. Full vaccination is defined as having received a booster shot six months after the Pfizer and Moderna primary series and two months after the Johnson & Johnson primary series.
Compensation: Salary range: $700 - $800/week; funds to assist with travel to site; field-based meals; benefits available only for position placements over 6 months long.
Additional Information About The Student Conservation Association (SCA)
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is America’s conservation corps. Our members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states.
Our Story
2017 marked the Student Conservation Association’s 60th Anniversary. As we look back and remember, what becomes abundantly clear is that while times change, SCA remains a stalwart presence for conservation and our country. The young people with whom we work gain an adeptness, an ability to press beyond whatever challenge comes next.
Our Mission
SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
Our Impact
It happens every day, all over our great country. A 19-year-old in Louisville. A 20-year-old in Des Moines. A 16-year-old in Nome. Every day our youth want to do something important with their lives, and begin to ask, “Who am I?” and “Who do I want to become?” At the same time, every day our parks and natural resources fall into disrepair and are depleted.
Today we stand at a critical point in time where the desire to do something can be met with the need to preserve and protect our environment. SCA is there. Every day SCA unites young people with hands-on environmental challenges. Every day we create future stewards of our land, healthier environments and ultimately a better world.