Field Leader- C&O Canal National Historic Park Towpath Crew - Potomac, MD

Position Summary

This crew will be based out of the Palisades maintenance shop in Potomac, MD, and support the C&O Canal maintenance staff with routine daily activities along the towpath. This crew will consist of three members that will work alongside an SCA crew leader, NPS partners, and SCA staff. Primarily, this project requires SCA members to remove vegetation from historic stone culverts, locks, flumes, abutments, walls, and any other historic stone structure within the park boundaries that the NPS deems the need for vegetation removal. This crew will assist the NPS staff with the removal of fallen trees in the park and along the towpath. Members may have an opportunity to support projects related to carpentry, masonry, and GIS mapping. If members do not already have basic first aid and CPR training, they will receive this training during the program. Members of this crew may receive chainsaw certification, dependent upon the capacity of NPS staff to host the training. If the position is successfully completed, members may be eligible to earn the Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority giving them eligibility to apply to merit vacancy announcements within the Federal Government for two years.

Schedule

April 7, 2025 - November 7, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Crew Supervisor: Foster teamwork, guide crew dynamics, and manage field-based tasks to ensure safety and productivity.; Advisor: Train crew members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and promote environmental stewardship values.; Project Manager: Communicate with agency and park partners, oversee successful and timely project completion, and ensure a positive representation of the SCA.; Program Administrator: Organize logistics, manage program budgets, complete necessary documentation, and maintain clear communication with SCA staff.; Driver: Upon completing SCA’s MVR check, SCA and NPS driver safety training, and field test, safely transport crew members to various worksite locations using an NPS work vehicle; This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to mentor budding conservationists while contributing to meaningful environmental projects in both urban and park settings.

Marginal Duties

Crew leaders should expect to complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, attending weekly staff check-in meetings, or reviewing member time logs, among other things.

Required Qualifications

Attend and complete Leader Training in California with lodging, meals, and time paid by SCA during first 2-weeks of program; 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 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 pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards; Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards; Housing is not provided, Leader must be locally available

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education preferred; Leaders will work in new outdoor environments, being excited and open to new experiences is strongly desired; Experience working in a team; Open to learning new skills, more about conservation, and environmental education

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No housing provided; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview

Compensation

Bi-weekly pay at $890/weekly salary; $45/month cell phone stipend; Health insurance offered

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

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driver Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

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.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.