SCA Field Leaders do it all – from program planning, preparation, and mentoring members, to completing various conservation service projects designed to build an ethic of community and environmental stewardship.
All Field Leaders receive a travel allowance, expense-paid training, compensation, and potential opportunities for year-round professional development. To view our current openings, click here.
Corps Project Leaders
Supervise a team of adult members in national forests, parks, preserves, urban areas, and other spectacular locations across the country to carry out technically advanced conservation projects. Programs are typically 3 to 12 months in length and run year round.
Program focus may include:
- GIS/Mapping
- Native plants
- Trail construction and surveying
- Wildland fire mitigation/education or monitoring
- Wilderness restoration
- Historic restoration
- Visitor Use Surveys
- Natural resource management
Corps Project Leaders must have strong experience leading young adults or veterans and demonstrate expertise in the program area of focus. Preference is given to applicants who have previous experience leading outdoor programs. Looking to lead young adults and focus your conservation work skills and service experience? A Corps Project Leader position may be for you!
National Youth Crew Leaders
Mentor a crew of 6-8 high school students with a co-leader, to complete conservation projects in spectacular national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges across the US. Programs run 21-35 days in length, during the summer from June through August. Leaders must be able to attend work skills training at the end of May/beginning of June (dates TBA).
National crews may:
- Construct and maintain trails
- Build bridges and shelters
- Repair walls and stone steps
- Improve and conserve wildlife habitats
National Crew Leaders must have strong outdoor experience living and working in frontcountry and/or backcountry settings, strong experience working with high school youth, and experience with and/or willingness to learn conservation work skills. Interested in getting to know a new part of the country? A National Crew Leader position may be for you!
Community Youth Crew Leaders
Mentor a crew of 8-12 local high school students with a co-leader, to complete much needed conservation service projects within our communities. Programs run in the school year (part-time) and summer (full-time) of major metropolitan areas across the country. Summer Community Crew Leaders must be able to attend work skills training at the end of May/beginning of June (dates TBA).
Community crews may:
- Build and maintain trails
- Maintain wildlife habitats and native plant species
- Work in urban gardens
- Participate in green space beautification projects
Community Crew Leaders must have strong experience teaching or working with urban youth, be able to maintain a positive work environment and motivate students, and be willing to work outdoors. Interested in making a difference in your own community? A Community Crew Leader position may be for you!
Community Crew Leader positions are available in: Anchorage, the Bay Area, Chicago, Houston, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania (state-wide), Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Leaders must have housing in the city in which they wish to work.
Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Crew Leaders
Solo-lead a group of 4-6 locally recruited high school students to complete conservation projects and environmental education in spectacular forests, historic sites, and refuges across the US. Leaders will work under the supervision of agency partners to mentor students on conservation projects during business hours Monday – Friday, with nights and weekends off. YCC Leader programs run 8-11 weeks during the summer from May to August. Housing is often provided and applicants are expected to have their own personal vehicle.
YCC crews may:
- Construct and maintain trail
- Soil and water restoration work
- Wildlife management activities
- Recreation site maintenance work
- Painting and facility improvement projects
- Invasive species control
YCC Crew Leaders must have strong experience teaching or working with youth, be able to maintain a positive work environment and motivate students, and be willing to work outdoors. Interested in working closely with a federal land management agency and the surrounding communities? A YCC Crew Leader position may be for you!
Apprentice Crew Leaders
Under 21 but ready to take the next step towards a leadership position? The Apprentice Crew Leader Program is an educational opportunity for participants to learn leadership & field management skills in order to prepare them for an SCA Field Leader position in the future. Participants will gain experience by assisting in the management, implementation, and reporting of a Community Youth Crew under the supervision and mentorship of the Crew Leader(s).
Apprentice Crew Leaders may:
- Learn essentials of planning and coordinating the logistics of a Community youth crew
- Learn how to motivate students and model positive leadership behaviors
- Attend Crew Leader training to develop leadership skills and outdoor conservation skills
- Practice teaching environmental education topics and team building games
Ideal Apprentice Crew Leader applicants are at least 1 year out of high school, have previous experience as a member on SCA programs, and have demonstrated passion for the mission of SCA. Basic knowledge of conservation projects and an interest in pursuing a leadership position in the conservation field is preferred.
Application deadlines for Community Crew Apprentice Crew Leader positions vary by city. View current Apprentice Crew Leader openings on the Field Leaders Current Openings page.