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Field Leaders: Current Openings

SCA Field Leaders at work, leading, motivating and inspiring young people in environmental work

< SCA Conservation Service During the Covid-19 Pandemic >

Field Leader positions are open to those 21 and older who have strong field experience and a desire to lead, motivate, inspire and guide. Below are some of the field positions that will become available over the next few months. Please view the Field Leader Position Types linked to the right of this page for an explanation of our various leader opportunities. To Apply: Click Login or Sign Up. Create a profile, complete the basic application, and then select the Leader Application when prompted. Please be sure to upload your cover letter, resume & 3 references. Once your application is complete, please email [email protected] with the position of interest listed in the subject line so we may review your application.

Apprentice Crew Leader positions are open to candidates who are under 21 (and at least 1 year out of high school) and are interested in learning leadership and field management skills in order to prepare for an SCA Field Leader position in the future. See below for Apprentice Crew Leader positions that will be available in the coming summer season, or visit the Field Leader Position Types page for more details. Details on how to apply are included in the information for specific positions.

Fall 2021 Leader Teams

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire on 2021 fall Leader Teams.

Leader Teams consist of members and leaders who have previously served on an SCA team. These four- to six-person crews typically serve for four to eight weeks on public lands across the country. Crews may camp for duration of the season in front or back country sites and work to complete projects such as trail building and maintenance, removing invasive species, installing signs, and other conservation projects in the field.

Program dates vary by site.

USFWS LRGNWR Remote Sensing Corps Project Leader

The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team, made up of one Project Leader and four Crew Members (ages 18+), will work on US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lands in the southernmost areas of Texas for 22 weeks.

The South Texas Refuge Complex Corps Team will focus primarily on mapping invasive species across almost 9,554 acres in Hidalgo, Starr, and Cameron Counties. This is a research project with two higher education partners, and it is important work that will reduce the risk of wildfire and improve habitat for migratory birds on USFWS lands. This team is for those who love a physical challenge! This team can expect to work regularly in an extremely hot and humid environment on challenging projects.

2021- 2022 Houston School Year Weekend Leader

As Crew Leader, you will be working with a co-lead to guide and inspire a team of twelve Houston area students one weekend a month from October 2021- April 2022. The crew will be working on projects such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration in Houston Parks nd Recreation green spaces. Project monitoring and data collection will also be required throughout the season.

DC Area- Crew Leader

DC Area Crew Leader

Conservation Begins Here.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire Washington DC area young adult members (18+) for the 2021 DC area fall programs. Leaders will be placed in National Park sites across the DC metro area. Site will include; Rock Creek National Park, Greenbelt National Park, and the C&O Canal National Park.

Program Dates: August 23 – October 1, 2021

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am - 3:30pm. Up to five hours per week of administrative work outside of normal work hours.

2021 GulfCorps Conservation Crew Leader

As GulfCorps Conservation Crew Leader, you will work with a co-leader to guide and inspire a team of eight young adults from the Corpus Christi/South Texas area. With funding from the RESTORE Act, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this crew works to improve inland habitats along the Texas coast.

2021 William Powers State Park High School Crew Leader

Program Dates: July 6^th-August 13^th Mon – Thursday 8am-3:30pm

Training Dates: Online: June 21^st-June 25^th Local: June 28^th-July 2nd (mandatory paid training)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Pick up your cohort of crew members

• Assist your crew with projects within your worksites

• Assist your crew in natural habitat restoration and trail maintenance

• Properly use hand tools like loppers, bow saws, shovels, rakes, etc.

• Participate in all program Environmental Education days-

2021 Midewin Leader

Program Dates: July 6^th-August 13^th Mon – Friday 8am-3:30pm

Training Dates: Online: June 21^st-June 25^th Local: June 28^th-July 2nd (mandatory paid training)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Pick up your cohort of crew members

• Assist your crew with projects within your worksites

• Assist your crew in natural habitat restoration and trail maintenance

• Properly use hand tools like loppers, bow saws, shovels, rakes, etc.

Compensation: $20/hr 40 a week-6 weeks

2021 Illinois Beach State Park Corp programs

Program Dates: July 6^th-Octber 1 2021____

Training Dates: _Virtual: June 21st-June 25th____Local In Person Training: June 28^th-July 2nd____ (mandatory paid training)

Primary Responsibilities:

:Supervise a crew of three, ages 18+, in the completion of various conservation projects with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at Illinois Beach State Park. The Crew Leader will manage the crew in activities using hand and power tools to complete projects such as: trail/park maintenance; habitat restoration; invasive species removal; and herbicide application. Leader will be responsible for managing the group in environmental education workshops, certificate trainings and outdoor recreation. Leader will also be responsible for capturing project outcomes through photo documentation, data collection, reporting, and evaluations. As long as COVID-19 is a threat, Crew Leaders (and members) are expected to do what is necessary to keep their team safe, this includes bring mindful of current regulations, regular cleaning and disinfection of tools/equipment, regular health check-ins with staff, wearing a mask, and enforcing/following policy and procedures outlined in SCA’s COVID management plan.

2021 CANYON DE CHELLY CREW LEADER

Program Dates:

Virtual Leader Training: 6/6/2021 – 6/11/2021

Leaders Prep Week: 7/5/2021 – 7/19/2021

Crew Dates: 7/19/2021 – 8/15/2021

Leader Wrap Up: 8/16/2021 – 8/21/2021

Compensation and Benefits: $600 per week (paid bi-weekly); paid training; field-based meals; up to $1,000 roundtrip travel stipend.

Program Description:

The CACH crew’s primary duties will be working in Canyon de Chelly National Monument assisting NPS park staff and trail crew. Projects may include trail maintenance and restoration, maintenance projects around the park, culturally and historically significant projects, and interpretive opportunities. Aside from the work project, the crew will have the opportunity to engage with local community members and park staff with scientific and cultural knowledge. The crew will interact with local musicians, storytellers and artists who will demonstrate their talents and teach the crew about their culture and history.

2021 NEW YORK FIELD LEADER

Program Dates: _July 5^th-August 18th

Training Dates:  June 21-July2 (mandatory paid training)

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

2021 Edmonds Summer Leader

Program Dates: July 6^th – August 6^th 2021

Training Dates: Virtual Leader Training June 21^st - 25^th, 2021; Local Edmonds Training: June 28^th -July 2^nd 2021 (mandatory paid training)

Primary Responsibilities:

As a Crew Leader you lead, supervise, transport, and mentor a team of five high school youth, ages 14-19 for six weeks (Mon-Fri). Complete an assortment of hands-on conservation projects including trail construction and rehabilitation, natural resource enhancements, and general trail management across multiple City of Edmonds sites. Plan and lead weekly educational field days and integrate career exploration, leadership development, and team building. Lead a three-day, 2-night camping trip with the crew at Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (July 19^th-21^st). Administrative and reporting duties are required as they relate to data management, photo documentation, and youth assessments. Crew leaders will also be expected to facilitate a provided environmental education curriculum. Crew Leaders will conduct daily health screening questionnaires with their members and monitor all work activities to ensure that participants are following COVID-19 safety protocols.

2021 Maryland CJC Crew Leader

Program Dates: 6/28/21 – 8/13/21

Training Dates: 6/12/21 – 6/25/21 (mandatory paid training)

Primary Responsibilities:

As Crew Leader, you will be working to guide and inspire a team of three young adults from the state of Maryland. The crew will be working on projects such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and boardwalk and trail work in various state parks in Maryland. Project monitoring and data collection will also be required throughout the season. SCA is hiring for a total of 12 Crew Leader positions for this program, each leader will be based out of a specific State Park for the duration of the summer. State Parks for the 2021 field season will include:

Assateague State Park (Berlin, MD)
Patapsco Valley State Park (Catonsville, MD & Marriottsville, MD)
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary (Upper Marlboro, MD)
Susquehanna State Park (Havre de Grace, MD)
Gunpowder Falls State Park (Chase, MD)
Seneca Creek State Park (Gaithersburg, MD)

2021 Pittsburgh Community Crew Leader

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience mentoring youth in the Pittsburgh region
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

Interest in teaching environmental education and environmental justice topics
Willingness to work in a co-leader and team centric environment
Infectious love of the outdoors

REQUIREMENTS

Ability to meet SCA’s criminal and background check standards
21 years of age or older
Current First Aid/CPR certification required by June 1st
Ability to attend virtual leader training June 6 - 12, and an in-person trail work skills training in the Pittsburgh June 14 - 18, 2021
Availability for the entire program length: June 6th – August 13th, 2021

Houston Riparian Restoration Conservation Corps

The SCA, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and The Houston Parks and Recreation (HPARD) are looking for a detail-oriented, highly motivated, and independent conservation team to join the 2021 Riparian Restoration Conservation Corps Team.

Program Dates: 10/04/2021- 12/5/2021

Leader Dates: 9/27/2021- 12/12/2021

Fall 2021 Desert Restoration Corps Project Leader

Fall Season Dates:

Leader Training: 8/15/2021 – 8/27/21

Leader Planning Period & Member Training Prep: 8/30/2021 – 9/10/2021

Members Training Dates: 9/12/2021 – 10/2/2021

Project Duration: Projects range from 10 weeks to 25 weeks in duration. Project Leader placements will be determined based on leader candidates’ experience, skills/certifications, and availability.

Program Location: Ridgecrest, CA and surrounding areas.

Position Summary: Responsible for daily management and supervision of a Conservation Corps project in either a backcountry or front-country site with members 18 & older. Manage member and group safety and development while working on conservation projects. Represent SCA on-site and coordinate with Agency partner(s) on designated project(s).

Fall 2021 Klamath Forest Sign and Sinkyone Wilderness Restoration Team Corps Project Leader

Fall Season Dates:

Leader Start Date: 8/23/2021

Members Start Date: 8/30/2021

Members End Date: 11/19/2021

Leader End Date: 11/26/2021

Program Location: Multiple Locations in Northern California; Sinkyone Wilderness, Klamath National Forest

Position Summary:Responsible for daily management and supervision of a Conservation Corps project in either a backcountry or front-country site with members 18 & older. Manage member and group safety and development while working on conservation projects. Represent SCA on-site and coordinate with Agency partner(s) on designated project(s).

Fall 2021 2021 Pacific West Veteran Fire Corps Project Leader

Leader Start Date: 8/16/2021

Members Start Date: 9/12/2021

Members End Date: 3/13/2022

Leader End Date: 3/18/2022

Program Location: Multiple Locations in California, the team will be expected to travel for the entirety of the program.

Position Summary:Responsible for daily management and supervision of a Conservation Corps project in either a backcountry or front-country site with members 18 & older. Manage member and group safety and development while working on conservation projects. Represent SCA on-site and coordinate with Agency partner(s) on designated project(s).

2021 GulfCorps Conservation Crew Leader

As GulfCorps Conservation Crew Leader, you will work with a co-leader to guide and inspire a team of eight young adults from the Mobile, AL area. With funding from the RESTORE Act, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this crew works to improve inland habitats along the Alabama coast. The crew will be working on projects such as invasive species removal, habitat restoration, boardwalk repair, and trail work in various sites along coastal Alabama. Project monitoring and data collection will also be required throughout the season. Strong work skills (carpentry, chainsaw, herbicide application), strong monitoring skills (data collection, GPS, GIS), and experience leading teams are requirements for this position. For more about the GulfCorps program, visit https://www.thesca.org/serve/program/gulfcorps-conservation-crew.

Program Dates: Sept 2021 – April 2022 (exact dates, TBD)

Training Dates: Sept 2021 (exact dates, TBD)

2021 Houston Summer Crew Leader

The SCA and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Katy Prarie Conservancy, and Harris County Flood Control are looking for a detail-oriented, highly motivated, and independent conservation team to join the 2020 Gulf-Houston Roving Restoration Conservation Corps.

Program Dates: June 14^th- August 13th

Training Dates:  June 7^th- June 11^th (mandatory paid training)

Primary Responsibilities:

Co-lead, supervise, transport, and mentor a team of 10 high school youth, ages 14-19 for six weeks (Mon-Fri). Complete an assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas on various project locations, and plan and lead weekly educational field days. Administrative and reporting duties are required as they relate to data management, photo documentation, and youth assessments. Crew Leaders will also be expected to facilitate a provided environmental education curriculum.

NATIONAL CREW LEADERS

Training Dates:  6/6/2021 – 6/11/2021

Program Dates: Program dates vary. Programs can take place early July – late August.

Compensation and Benefits: $600 per week (paid bi-weekly); paid training; field-based meals; up to $1,000 roundtrip travel stipend.

Primary Responsibilities:

Supervise a crew in the field. Facilitate teamwork, manage field-based tasks and schedules, ensure safe practices, and guide crew dynamics. These responsibilities are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the length of the program.
Foster growth and inspire a group of high school students. Train Crew Members in safe tool use, organize and lead educational trips and lessons, and mentor them to grow personally and as environmental stewards.
Manage a restoration project. Complete a project with your team in the field, plan out team logistics, and work with partners on site.
Carry out administrative tasks. Manage a crew budget, complete program reports and paperwork, communicate with SCA staff, and follow all SCA policies and procedures.

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