Field Leader- 2024 Appalachian Trail National Crew

Conservation Begins Here.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.

Training Dates: (06/10/24 to 06/23/24) (paid mandatory training)

On-Site Dates: (06/26/24 to 07/31/24)

Location (City and State): Bangor, ME

Primary Responsibilities:

National Crews consist of two leaders and a crew of 6 – 8 high school volunteers, ages 15 – 19. Crews live and work in spectacular national parks, forests, and historic sites across the United States. Crew leaders camp with their crew in front or back country sites fostering connections to nature, stewardship and conservation. Crew leaders also lead their teams in completing conservation projects such as trail building and maintenance.

National Crews are typically 3 – 5 weeks long. This position starts with mandatory SCA Crew Leader training. The 2024 National Crew will be based near Rangeley, ME, and will work along the Appalachian Trail.

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.

Leader Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth or young adults, 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
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
• Must possess current Wilderness First Aid certification (Wilderness First Responder preferred) and CPR by the start date of Leader Training.
• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: (06/03/24 to 06/16/24)
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US
• Must have a valid driver's license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
• Experience with outdoor living skills. Can include camping (two weeks or more), hiking, safety awareness, leave no trace, basic map/compass

Leader Benefits and Compensation:

• $750/week (paid biweekly)
• $1,000 travel stipend for travel to/from training and site location
• Field-based meals
• Camping in private/primitive group camp. Camping gear such as tent and camp kitchen provided.
• SCA Orientation and Field training

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. Click here to learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the SCA.