This is your go-to resource for getting inspired, keeping track of logistics and making the most of your SCA experience. Print it out for use throughout your internship.
Activity Logs
Activity Time Logs are your timesheets you use to report hours spent in service, training, fundraising and time off and/or sick time. Weekly completion of accurate and professional timesheets is required for your position including hours served each day and details/notes of work completed. Please note: Failure to submit Time Logs could result in suspension of your pay schedule. Please record your non-working hours as zero and write your status in the description. Non-working hours include sick leave, annual leave/PTO, and holidays.
All SCA programs involve some type of service to communities, partners, and the environment. Output Logs are how SCA collects information about the projects you complete during your term of service. It is critical that you submit accurate, complete output logs for your program. This information helps us tell the story of SCA’s collective, nationwide impact and report our successes to the partners and funders that make SCA programs possible.
Watch this video to learn how to create Output Logs to track your accomplishments
If you are enrolled in AmeriCorps, go to the AmeriCorps page for more information about benefits and responsibilities of this program.
We encourage members and site supervisors to meet in the beginning and go over expectations and goals during the position. Please download this template to complete during the first week. One method we suggest to complete this worksheet is using SMART goals, that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-focused, and Time-focused. Feel free to also use this guide – How to Handle Me Memo.
If you’re interested learning about USFS careers, you can view a 2022 speaker session.
If your position includes reimbursable funds, they will be mentioned in your offer letter and the position announcement as duty-related travel and/or PPE/gear. Per your supervisor’s discretion, the funds can be used for gear, training, lodging, transportation, and food. In order to process a reimbursement, please follow the next steps:
While conservation service work has inherent risks, the SCA and partners strive for the safest work environment possible. Should anything occur that may impact your personal safety or wellbeing, contact your SCA advisor as soon as possible. Your SCA advisor will submit an incident report to help you get the care you need and to engage with organizational resources to support you. In addition to your site’s policies, procedures, and other safety-related systems and processes, all SCA internships receive Worker’s Compensation for work-related injury and illness.
Working at SCA could mean working in very remote areas. Some of which might require flights or ferries to reach the nearest medical facility. In unforeseen circumstances, accidents can always happen. Please come prepared with enough available finances to cover any non-work related costs including but not limited to transportation, lodging, medical, and food. There are insurance options available that can help you during an unfortunate situation, such as DAN.
SCA provides interns with the following safety-related tools, as well:
The public lands corps act provides you the opportunity to work in federal lands, and to apply to the hiring authority. Please watch this training video for more information. Your service hours can be a cumulation to reach 640. Work hours don’t include sick or holiday time. The last day of your completed service will be the first day on your certification to start applying for federal jobs. Please attach both the form and certification on USAJobs.
Your SCA position might make you eligible for Food Stamps. If interested, reach out to your work state for more information. Your SCA advisor can provide you with a letter of stipend for processing.
Your SCA Advisor is here to support you and help guide you on your internship journey. If you have any questions about your internship that cannot be addressed through the resources above, reach out to them with your question. SCA Advisors are also great resources for you as you think about what kind of career you are thinking about and how you can translate your internship experience into your next career steps.
Chris-Michael Tena
ctena@thesca.org
Chris Burley
cburley@thesca.org
Hannah Ashley
hashley@thesca.org
Shana Anderson
sanderson@thesca.org
Shamar Jackson
sjackson@thesca.org
Tiffany Fason
tfason@thesca.org
Crystal Townsel
ctownsel@thesca.org