Western State and National Park Team Leaders
Field Leader – Western Corps
Multiple Locations
Conservation Begins Here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks experienced leaders to guide, educate, and inspire young adults on conservation crews across the West during Summer 2026.
Position Summary
Project Leaders manage conservation crews completing highâÂÂpriority trail maintenance projects with public land partners. Leaders guide 3–5 members, teach technical skills, foster community, and ensure safe, highâÂÂquality project outcomes. Crews will train, live and work together throughout the season. Join SCA for an immersive opportunity to build, manage and inspire a community of like-minded individuals — while completing meaningful service.
Schedule
- Training and Planning: April 12, 2026 – May 31, 2026
- Summer Season: June 1, 2026 – September 5, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Crew Supervisor: Facilitate teamwork, manage basecamp and equipment tasks, support member wellbeing, and uphold SCA’s policies.
- Advisor: Train members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and teach environmental stewardship.
- Project Manager: Ensure timely completion of work projects, communicate with agency partners, and represent SCA professionally.
- Program Administrator: Organize logistics, complete documentation, manage crew budgets, and check-in with SCA staff.
Marginal Duties:
- Assisting in Member Crew Training
- Coordinate specific vehicle and gear repairs
- Tool and gear maintenance
Required Qualifications
- 21+ years old; Authorized to work in US
- Successfully pass SCA’s background check
- Valid driver’s license (3+ years) and Motor Vehicle Record that meets SCA’s standards
- Successfully complete a Health Screening Questionnaire before the position start date
- Obtain a Wilderness First Responder Certification by the end of Project Leader Training
- Experience with leading outdoor conservation work or environmental education
- Camping, hiking, and backcountry experience
- Must understand, enact and uphold project, crew community, basecamp, vehicle, and additional safety standards set through SCA’s policies;
- Perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, hike 10+ miles in a day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
- Work in challenging outdoor conditions, including extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation
- Full engagement in all work projects and community activities
- Addressing needs of members and community
- Ability to live and work in a multi-gendered, multi-cultural communal environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Crosscut Certification (B-Bucking)
- Trailer Driving Experience
- Backcountry Experience
Compensation
- $850 weekly salary;
- $1,000 travel stipend;
- $45 monthly cell phone reimbursement;
- All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Additional Benefits
- Crew Food Budget for Workdays
- Defensive Driver and Trailer Training
- Wilderness First Responder Training
Living Conditions
Leaders should expect to camp in frontcountry and/or backcountry settings throughout the season. Community chores like preparing meals and washing dishes will be shared by members and leaders. SCA provides group gear; leaders bring personal items (sleeping bag, pad, boots, etc.). Limited housing may be available at the Ridgecrest, CA hub during prep and closeout periods. Western Corps is a substanceâÂÂfree program. Alcohol is prohibited while on duty; marijuana and illegal substances are never permitted.
Personal Vehicle
Not required; SCA is not responsible for the fuel, parking or security of personal vehicles.
Work Schedule
Most crews work 80 hours over two weeks, with schedules varying by project. Most summer crews will work 8 on/6 off schedule. Community living requires engagement beyond project hours, including occasional checkâÂÂins or incident response.
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.