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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 Crews primary focus will be on completing trail improvements across Pennsylvania. This crew will work a hitch based schedule (8 days on with 6 days off). Food and lodging will be provided during each hitch. Members return home during their off time. Hitches may take place across Pennsylvania.

Program Dates

May 5th, 2025 - November 26th, 2025

Schedule:

8 Days on with 6 Days off. Crews will work 10 hour days during their hitch. Start and end times my fluctuate throughout the season.

  • Members will be given a reporting time each Monday and will be expected to arrive on site at that time.

Work Project May Include:

  • 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

Required Qualifications

  • Ages 21 - 25 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 and regularly lift/carry up to 40 pounds
  • Able to work collaboratively on a small team of peers
  • 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 required to 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.

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

Recommended for transport to daily meeting location

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

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.