2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Roving Trail Crew

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Student Conservation Association

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Harrisburg, PA, United States

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Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking outgoing individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, job training, and educational opportunities. Corps members will join a team of young adults to complete conservation and infrastructure projects on Pennsylvania's public lands. Throughout the season members will also participate in education and training activities related to resource management, environmental education and recreation.

The Trail Crew will focus on completing trail improvements projects across Pennsylvania. An anticipated major project in 2026 is the restoration of the Glen Onoko Falls Trail system in Jim Thorpe PA. Glen Onoko Trail improvements will include a large amount of technical stonework. Work at Glen Onoko could comprise at least 50% of the work season. The remaining hitches will be spent at parks and forests throughout Pennsylvania.

The trail crew consists of eight total members and two project leaders. At times the crew will function as one unit and other times the crew will be subdivided to work on separate projects.

Throughout the season the Trail Crew will receive the following training:

  • Developing the Thinking Sawyer - USFS Chainsaw Certification
  • Wilderness First Aid - WFA
  • Technical Rigging Training (rock work)
  • Sustainable Trail Design and Management

Program Dates

March 16th, 2026 - November 25th, 2026

***CORPS MEMBER TRAINING will take place in person from March 16th - March 23rd. This is a paid required training for all corps members. Members should plan to be away from home during this time. Lodging and meals provided.

Application Process:

The application will remain open until Jan 1st however given the volume of applicants that we receive, position may fill prior to Jan 1st. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Candidates not selected for our initial cohort will be placed on a backfill list.

Please note that the Outdoor Corps is currently hiring for 60+ positions across the state. It may take several weeks for a staff member to follow up on your application.

Schedule:

8 Days on with 6 Days off. (Wednesday to Wednesday)

Crews will work 10 hour days during their hitch. Start and end times my fluctuate throughout the season.

This roving crew will complete projects across the state of Pennsylvania.

2026 Project Sites May Include:

  • Hickory Run State Park
  • Lehigh Gorge State Park
  • Onoko Falls
  • Various State Park and Forest
  • Other Community Partners

Key Duties:

  • Trail Maintenance and Construction following sustainable trail design practice including
    • Implementing water management techniques
    • Tread work such as benching, widening, de-berming
    • Trail Assessments and recommendations
    • Clearing and log outs
    • Blazing
    • New trail construction and re-routes

Secondary Project May Include:

  • Facility maintenance projects including: painting, staining, light carpentry, plumbing, siding, other building rehabilitation and upkeep
  • Constructions projects such as: bridges, stairs, picnic tables, pavilions, and masonry
  • Habitat Restoration including: invasive species identification and treatments, herbicide applications
  • Tree Planting, and other general landscaping
  • Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance
  • Other work as assigned

Marginal Duties:

  • Utilization of Three Job Shadow Days. Participation is not required but highly encouraged.

Required Qualifications

  • Ages 18+ at the start of the program
  • Able to conduct physically demanding work in all outdoor conditions. Including:
    • The ability to hike up to 4 miles per day.
    • Regularly lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
    • Swing hand tools such as shovels, pick mattocks and McLeods for 6+ hours per day.
  • Able to live and work effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to team success.
  • Must be able to model safe and professional behavior at all times including wearing all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment - PPE
  • Must have a valid drivers license and reliable transportation to and from hitch locations
  • Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
  • Willing/able to complete overnight hitches spending 8 days away from home at a time.

Preferred Qualifications

  • An interest in conservation careers, trade skills, or a related field in highly encouraged.
  • Experience in trail construction and maintenance
  • Experience with hitch based work

Living Accommodations

The Trail Crew will stay on site at the parks/forests they are working in. Accommodations will vary depending on park availability. In some cases, cabins or other housing may be available. When park housing is not an option, the crew will be tent camp and set up base camp. Base camp and tent camping will be covered during crew member training. Due to the remote areas that we work in and limited housing options, crew members will be expected to share living spaces while on hitch. Individual rooms will be assigned when available but are not always guaranteed. All food is provided while on hitch.

No accommodations are provided during off days. Members must have a residence in PA to return to during these times.

Compensation

$18/hr paid bi-weekly. (75 total hours per pay period)

All allowances/pay are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required for transport to and from hitch locations.

Additional Benefits

  • PTO
  • Paid Holidays
  • Optional Employee Sponsored Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement)

General Physical Requirements

  • Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
  • Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
  • Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
  • Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
  • Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
  • Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
  • Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
  • Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
  • If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
  • Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
  • Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

  • Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
  • Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.; Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.
  • Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
  • Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
  • Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.
  • Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer