Conservation Corps - 2025 Buckeye Trail Corps Member

Conservation Begins Here

2025 Buckeye Trail Corps Member

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), the nation's largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults, is seeking team member candidates for the Buckeye Trail Corps in 2025.

This team of four will be working on constructing new trail on the Buckeye Trail by hand-building a natural surface trail through the forest. The trail will be built to Forest Service Standards and will help in the important work of creating a 100 - mile backpacking network in Perry, Athens, and Morgan County, Ohio. This project aims to increase tourism in southeast Ohio by highlighting the natural beauty and history in the region.

The SCA Buckeye Trail Corps is a team based program designed to introduce crewmembers to trail building. The team will begin their program with a field-based training program close to the project site. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members will learn and practice hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful trail project. After training, the Buckeye Trail team will work on variety of projects focusing on trail building along with other teams to meet the Buckeye Trail's ambitious construction plan. Trail projects involve working with hand tools and occasionally small equipment.

Fieldwork is physically and mentally demanding. This is a backcountry trail team, and crew members can expect to camp part of the season, until they move to indoor housing with the change in season. Campsites may include backcountry camping with no amenities or front-country camping with access to potable water and showers when practical.

Crew will consist of 3 young adult members (18 years of age or older) and 1 Project Leader. The team will have access to one SCA vehicle for transportation. Members who live local to the project sites are able to commute to work from home. Whether camping or commuting, the team will meet daily at a predetermined location and be driven to their work site each day by the Project Leader.

Location

OH

Schedule

August 25, 2025 - November 28, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with a team of three others to complete priority projects determined by partner staff
• Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productive teamwork
• Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances
• Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools
• Take part in trail works, such as clear trail corridor with hand tools and small equipment
• Install grade dips and drainage structures
• Rehab and reestablish the tread of a trail
• Build trail structures (i.e. retaining walls, check steps, staircases, fences, or barriers)

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Have ability to legally work in the US
• Meet SCA's criminal background check standards
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and independently travel 2 miles over varied terrain while carrying a 40-pound pack without assistance
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor in a variety of outdoor conditions for up to 8-10 hours per day
• Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team
• Willingness to live alongside a team and participate in community chores and meal preparation
• Willingness to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and inventories
• With training, ability to use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned work projects

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

This crew will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program. The team will be provided with shared housing for part of the season; team members should expect to share rooms and common spaces (kitchen, bathrooms). Members should also expect to participate in communal living practices such as cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and sharing chores at the team house.

Compensation

• Living allowance: $650*/week living allowance (pre-tax)*
• One-time travel allowance provided: $650*
• Meals during work days
• Camping gear and shared campsite provided
• SCA branded uniform items and gear
• SCA trails and corps member training, first aid training, ongoing professional development training

• Allowances subject to local, state, and federal taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Members may bring their personal vehicles for use during off-time and weekends. Please note that personal vehicles, and their transport from site to site, are the responsibility of the team member.

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.