Individual Placement- Natural Resource & Recreation Management (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Location: Tionesta, PA
Program Dates: May 11, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Schedule: 40 hours/week (weekends and federal holidays off)
Compensation: $350/week living allowance + Housing Allowance: $800/month (pre-tax)
Candidates local to the Pittsburgh area are encouraged to apply!
Position Summary
Tionesta Lake, a 480-acre reservoir in northwestern Pennsylvania, is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pittsburgh District. Constructed in 1940, its primary goal is to reduce downstream flooding as a key part of the flood control system for the Allegheny and upper Ohio Rivers. The lake also offers diverse recreational opportunities including boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Interns may be engaged in managing the campgrounds and various recreational facilities, assisting with light maintenance tasks, and overseeing natural resource management and environmental stewardship to include habitat management and greenhouse operations. They also conduct public outreach through an information center and participate in partnerships for wildlife habitat management.
Additional Benefits
- Defensive Driving Training
- Interpretive Skills
- Off-Road Vehicle Safety
- AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Support public recreational activities.
- Implement the Corps Water Safety Program.
- Protect and preserve natural resources.
- Provide interpretive assistance through direct and indirect contacts, both on and off-site.
- Update bulletin boards and create interpretive displays.
- Stock and distribute informative materials.
- Staff information centers during high visitation periods.
- Give interpretive talks and lead interpretive programs.
- Interact with visitors daily, aiding and updating them on lake and weather conditions.
- Conduct trail maintenance, and boundary surveys.
- Support special events
- Perform light maintenance, painting, and repair tasks in recreation areas.
- Share the story and mission of the Corps with the public.
- Assist with boat patrols
Marginal Duties
- Assist with campground management
- Assist in maintaining mid-sized greenhouse for native species plantings
- Assist in clearing invasive plots and creating native food / pollinator plots around the lake
- Trail rehabilitation i.e., staircases and footpath maintenance
- Fish habitat structure creation and placement in tandem with state partners
Required Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age;
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license;
- Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent;
- Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English;
- Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds;
Preferred Qualifications
- Public service experience
- Natural resource management experience.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
No housing provided.
Compensation
- Living Allowance: $350/week
- Housing Allowance: $800/month (4 payments)
- Commuting Allowance: $75/week
- up to $650 in reimbursable expenses for relocation
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
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.