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Program Assistant (MA)

 

 

The Student Conservation Association provides an array of corps and crew programming across the country. The Massachusetts Conservation Corps, based in Western Massachusetts, is a 7-month AmeriCorps program that trains young adults in conservation and leadership skills through hands-on service at state parks and public lands throughout Massachusetts. The program has a strong partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). It operates as an AmeriCorps program, allowing crew members to dedicate a term of service while gaining experience in the field. 

 

Reporting directly to the SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps Conservation Coordinator, this position supports SCA programming in the SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps program. The Program Assistant plays a crucial role in the success of the program. This individual assists with facilities and vehicle maintenance and food coordination and works closely with the program’s Conservation Coordinator and other staff to train, supervise, and support three field crews of Corps members. Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance, rock stairs, carpentry, bridge construction, invasive vegetation removal, and impacted site restoration. The position requires weekly travel and overnight camping at various locations throughout Massachusetts. The Program Assistant is a full-time, seasonal staff position serving from April 8, 2024, through April 4, 2025, with a weekly salary of $850.00. 

 

Roles and Responsibilities:

Meal Coordination 

  • Purchasing supplies and cooking for 30+ people 
  • Training members in field-based meal planning and cooking skills. 

 
Program Logistics 

  • Assist in the coordination and delivery of program orientations and training. 
  • Coordinate maintenance and repairs of the program’s fleet vehicles. 
  • Assure food expenses are within the established food budget. 

 
Conservation Crew Support 

  • Assist with the field-based mentorship and professional development of crews, including overnight field support via camping at locations throughout the Commonwealth.
  • Model the SCA mission and values to members, partners, and the public. 
  • Assist with the facilitation of crew operations, including tools & equipment, vehicles, work site management, and basecamp operations.  

Program Administration 

  • Completion of required program reporting and documentation.
  • Assist with program purchasing, budget management, and reconciliation. 
  • Ensure compliance with all SCA Risk Management policies & procedures. 

Experience and Qualifications 

  • 21 years of age or older
  • 1-2 years prior experience supervising young adults outdoors. 
  • Experience cooking for large groups. 
  • Previous trail construction experience and knowledge required. 
  • Ability to perform trail construction and maintenance work in wilderness and non-wilderness settings, carrying or lifting 50 pounds or more. 
  • Have a working knowledge of safely operating power and hand tools. 
  • Experience with chainsaw, rigging/Griphoist, or carpentry a plus. 
  • First Aid and CPR certification required—or ability to get cert before the position begins. 
  • Strong communication skills when working with various external and internal partners. 
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Experience working with youth from racially and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. 
  • Enjoy working with young people in a fluid, dynamic organization. 
  • Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability. 
  • Highly resourceful team player who can also be extremely effective independently. 
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines. 
     

The Student Conservation Association is an equal-opportunity employer.