Supervising an Intern

We expect SCA interns to perform their duties to the same standard as regular seasonal personnel.  You may require SCA interns to work on weekends and holidays, but you should arrange compensatory time off.  Interns are expected to work the equivalent of a 40-hour week.

We encourage you to offer the same variety of tasks, responsibilities and learning opportunities available to other personnel.  Similarly, interns should receive periodic supervision, guidance and evaluation from their supervisors.  We expect the SCA experience to be an educational one that leads to a better understanding of how your agency manages land/resources and serves the public, as well as one that provides the intern with new skills.

SCA Interns are expected to work schedules similar to those of seasonal employees.  Interns may engage in any activity that an employee may carry out except:

  • SCA interns may not carry out direct law enforcement functions.
  • SCA interns may not engage in fire fighting activities unless they are hired to do so.  They may be given fire training as interns.

SCA interns may assist in other types of activities such as search and rescue, operating four-wheel drive vehicles, use of machinery and tools, etc. provided  they have received the training normally given to regular seasonal personnel.  Interns should also be issued protective clothing and gear for any activity that requires the use of such items for paid employees.

SCA interns who will interact with the public should be given information about your site and the surrounding area.  If it is not possible to include them in your regular seasonal training, please schedule them for tours, field days or other means of acquiring this information.

We request each intern report to us by telephone, e-mail or post card during the third or fourth week of their position.

If you wish to extend the working dates of an intern beyond what has been arranged, call the SCA office in advance.  SCA must approve any date changes you may be considering.

Time with your Superintendent or Director

SCA asks that you try to provide each intern with the opportunity to have a personal conversation with the Superintendent or Director of your site.  Ideally, this will help the intern gain perspective on the “big picture” at your site.  Most interns aspire to careers in conservation, and an interview with a Superintendent or Director can be an inspiration and help motivate interns to pursue a career like yours.