Urban Green - Trail Crew Member
Student Conservation AssociationJob Details
Job Description
Conservation Begins Here
Urban Green - Trail Crew Member
Position Summary
This is a trail crew that will work with the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Primary tasks will seek to address short and long term trail maintenance with a focus on repairing stormwater damage and general wear and tear.
Through this partnership, participants will gain valuable trail building skills and make a lasting impact on the environment and their community. Members will learn to utilize trail building techniques and tools while working in outdoor settings and performing strenuous physical labor.
Additional Details:
This project addresses deteriorated trail conditions on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail at Pimmit Run. The existing steppingstone low water crossing has been washed away from past flash flood events. The stream bank on the north side of the crossing has been scoured leading to the destruction of
the lower part of an existing rock stairway. The upper part of this rock stair is deteriorated as well. Negotiating this steep approach and stream crossing in its current condition is difficult if not hazardous for trail users.
The scope of this project is to restore the steppingstone low water crossing in its most recent location and to reconstruct the rock stairway leading down to the creek from the north (Fort Marcy side). Rocks will be gathered from the immediate surrounding area and set in place by hand and/or with hand tools. Some
digging will be needed in order to set the rocks in place for the stairs. This will be located within the existing trail corridor. Work will also be taking place within the creek where rocks will be moved around.
Those involved in the work should be skilled in the selection, moving and setting of rocks for trail structures.
If the initial primary project is completed prior to 8-weeks then a second project replacing a timber staircase and timber retaining wall will be undertaken.
- Schedule
December 15, 2025 – January 09, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Work collaboratively with team members, SCA staff, and National Park Service staff completing outdoor hands-on projects in field conservation and natural resource management; Learn new skills in trail maintenance and rock work;
- Participate in career builder activities
Marginal Duties
- Participate in environmental education learning activities; Complete feedback
surveys; Participate in professional development sessions like career panels, SMART Goal planning, and Leave No Trace training
Required Qualifications:
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must be a minimum of 18 years of age; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in team strongly desired; Experience working outdoors a plus:
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
No housing; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview
Compensation:
Living allowance - $600/week (paid bi-weekly); Housing allowance - $550/month (paid monthly)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Working Conditions
Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.
Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.
Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.
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.
