Field Leader - Summer Sequoia National Forest Western Divide Small Trail Team

Senior Project 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, with the possibility of a Fall extension.

Position Summary

Senior Project Leaders manage conservation crews completing high‑priority projects with public land partners. Leaders guide 3–5 members, teach technical skills, foster community, and ensure safe, high‑quality project outcomes. This position is hired for Summer 2026 as the primary term. A Fall 2026 extension may

be offered based on performance, project needs, and funding.

• Schedule

• Training and Planning: April 12, 2026 – May 31, 2026
• Summer Season: June 1, 2026 – August 2026
• Program Support: August – September 2026
• Fall Season: September 14, 2026 – December 19, 2026 (Fall Season is an

optional extension and may be offered based on performance and program needs.)

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 communicate with SCA staff.

• Program Support: Perform tool and gear repairs, assist with trainings and

derig, and serve as a role model for other leaders and members.

Required Qualifications:

• 21+ years old; Legal work status in the 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;

• Attend Crew Leader training: 4/12/2026 – 5/31/2026;
• Obtain a Wilderness First Responder Certification by the end of Project
• Leader Training;
• Multiple seasons of leading outdoor conservation work;
• 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;
• Commitment to learning and addressing needs of members and community;
• Live and work in a multi-gendered, multi-cultural communal environment,

Preferred Qualifications:

• Chainsaw Certification (B-Faller);
• Crosscut Certification (B-Bucking);
• Trailer Driving Experience;
• Remote Work or Backcountry Experience;

Compensation:

• $900 weekly salary;
• $1,000 travel stipend;
• $45 monthly cell phone reimbursement;
• Health Insurance after 6 months of service;
• Uniform bonus during second season;
• Crew Food Budget for Workdays
• Defensive Driver and Trailer Training
• Wilderness First Responder Training
• Shared Kitchen and Camping Gear Provided

Living Conditions

• Leaders should expect to camp in frontcountry and/or backcountry settings

throughout the season. 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 substance‑free program. Alcohol is prohibited while on duty; marijuana and illegal substances are never permitted.

Work Schedule

Most crews work 80 hours over two weeks, with schedules varying by project. Community living requires engagement beyond project hours, including occasional check‑ins or incident response.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is committed to a work environment that fosters fairness, teamwork, and respect. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences.