Sierra National Forest Recreation and OHV Crew

Position Summary 

Participants will assist in a very large Off Highway Vehicle program. Every workday will be out on the Sierra National Forest at elevations ranging from 2000 to 9800 feet. The District has OHV trails for beginners to advance experts. Our job is to monitor the trails and maintain the trails. Participants will hands on experience in recreation management, First aid Training and Forest Service Chainsaw Certification.

Location 

Prather, CA

Schedule 

May 15, 2026 - September 11, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) program in performing light to heavy trail maintenance projects with Volunteer Clubs and Forest Service staff consistent with the District’s Trail Maintenance Agreement. Duties can include some or all of the following: removing logs and brush that encroaches into the trail; install. repair, and clean waterbars or other drainage structures to remove and direct water off trails; provide protection to stream crossings, meadow, and wet areas; place rocks or logs in trail for better traction; remove traces of any use that occurs off the designated trail; remove litter and foreign material; install, maintain, and replace trail markers; install, maintain, and replace signs and bulletin boards as needed; and other related maintenance activities. Will provide information concerning OHV safety and the OHV areas/routes located on the Sierra National Forest, High Sierra Ranger District consistent with the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).

Marginal Duties 

General recreation maintenance; Vehicle inspection and maintenance

Required Qualifications 

• No prior experience or education is required.
• It is a physically strenuous position: the ability to backpack, self-supported with tools, and work/sleep in steep terrain at high elevation for up to 8 days at a time is required.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with both coworkers and members of the public.
• Vehicle needed to get between the office and housing. All travel to work sites will be in a government vehicle

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 

• First Aid Training
• Forest Service Sawyer Certification
• Experience in Off Road Driving
• GIS

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Prefer a local resident or someone willing to camp because housing is very limited. A small staff cabin with shared bedroom, bathroom and kitchen may be available June through September.

Compensation  

$450 Weekly Living Allowance

$1,100 RT Travel Allowance

$150 Duty Related Travel Reimbursement (Initially out of pocket & receipts required for reimbursement)

USFS housing available (June-September), otherwise participants will camp (there are also numerous campsites with water, sewer, and power hookups for tents or RVs, plus access to a washer, dryer, and shower) or stay in local housing

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

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.