Individual Placement - 2025 Yosemite Wilderness Senior Crew Member
Conservation Begins Here
2025 Yosemite Wilderness Senior Crew Member
Position Summary
The Yosemite SCA Wilderness Crew is a roving Ecological Restoration crew that hikes throughout the Yosemite Wilderness restoring inappropriately located campsites, social trails and trail ruts as well as removing non-native invasive plants. Yosemite has shifted to this type of crew thanks to the effectiveness of past restoration efforts and the belief that roving crews have less impact on the land. Think of yourselves as a Leave No Trace Wilderness Restoration Crew. The best ecological restoration work is that which can't be noticed. This is a very physically challenging program given that the opportunity for flat hiking in Yosemite is extremely limited. In general, there seems to be more up than down around here! The goal of the project is to facilitate the return of natural processes in areas affected by human caused impacts such as encroaching non native plants, inappropriately located campsites or braided trails.
The Yosemite National Park wilderness crew will work on a multi-faceted project emphasizing the three components of Yosemite's Wilderness Restoration Program:
- Removal and ecological restoration of inappropriate campsites
- Removal of invasive non-native plants
- Obstruction and ecological restoration of parallel trails and social trails.
Crew members will have the opportunity for a post-service visit to Yosemite Valley where they will participate in a career awareness session with NPS Staff, take an art class, have an astronomy talk, and ride bikes throughout the beautiful valley. Gear, including backpacks, tents, and food are provided if needed. Boots can be made available, but SCA recommends purchasing these on your own and can provide recommendations.
The team will consist of 3-4 high school aged members, 1 senior member and 1 leader.
Location
Bay Area, CA
Schedule
June 11, 2025 - August 6, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Supporting leader duties including meal planning and shopping; coordination of pre-service orientation trip and general service duties while in the field
- Supporting member onboarding and orientation, including collecting pre-surveys from members
- Supporting member well-being in the backcountry
- Removal and ecological restoration of inappropriate campsites
- Removal of invasive non-native plants
- Obstruction and ecological restoration of parallel trails and social trails.
- Hand pulling of invasive non-native plants
- Placement of obstructions in trail ruts
- Fire–ring and charcoal dispersal
- Obstruction of the site through the placement of logs and rocks
- Decompaction of the soil in campsites or trail ruts and the placement of locally generated organic material.
- Preparing meals and supporting camp set up and take down
Marginal Duties
- Support compiling end of program Leader Report
Required Qualifications
- 18+ years of age
- Local to the Bay Area
- Must have the ability to legally work in the US
- Must be available for all program dates 5/19/2025 – 5/31/2025
- Camping and hiking experience
- Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Camping, hiking
- Commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem-solving
- Possession of or ability to obtain a First Aid/CPR certification during training
Preferred Qualifications
- Backpacking experience
- Leadership or teaching experience
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Backcountry
Compensation
$720/week, paid bi-weekly
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not required
Additional Benefits
First Aid/CPR provided if needed
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.