Individual Placement- Natural Resource & Recreation Management (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Location:Grafton, WV
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 

Tygart Lake, located in Taylor County, West Virginia, is a 1,750-acre reservoir formed by the Tygart Dam, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1935 and 1938. The project's primary goals are to provide flood protection for the Tygart River Valley, Monongahela, and upper Ohio Rivers, as well as to augment streamflow for navigation and water supply during low-water seasons.

The lake is a popular destination for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping, with Tygart Lake State Park nearby also offering a lodge, cabins, and campsites. Interns may be engaged in natural resource management, maintaining recreational facilities, shoreline management, environmental education, and working with partners like the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for wildlife and fisheries 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 

No additional duties.

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.