2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Roving Trail Crew

Student Conservation Association•Swatara Township, PA

5d•$18 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking outgoing individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, job training, and educational opportunities. Corps members will join a team of young adults to complete conservation and infrastructure projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands. Throughout the season members will also participate in education and training activities related to resource management, environmental education and recreation. The Trail Crew will focus on completing trail improvements projects across Pennsylvania. An anticipated major project in 2026 is the restoration of the Glen Onoko Falls Trail system in Jim Thorpe PA. Glen Onoko Trail improvements will include a large amount of technical stonework. Work at Glen Onoko could comprise at least 50% of the work season. The remaining hitches will be spent at parks and forests throughout Pennsylvania. The trail crew consists of eight total members and two project leaders. At times the crew will function as one unit and other times the crew will be subdivided to work on separate projects. Throughout the season the Trail Crew will receive the following training: Developing the Thinking Sawyer - USFS Chainsaw Certification Wilderness First Aid - WFA Technical Rigging Training (rock work) Sustainable Trail Design and Management Program Dates March 16th, 2026 - November 25th, 2026 CORPS MEMBER TRAINING will take place in person from March 16th - March 23rd. This is a paid required training for all corps members. Members should plan to be away from home during this time. Lodging and meals provided. Application Process: The application will remain open until 2/26. Candidates not selected for our initial cohort will be placed on a backfill list. Schedule: 8 Days on with 6 Days off. (Wednesday to Wednesday) Crews will work 10 hour days during their hitch. Start and end times my fluctuate throughout the season. This roving crew will complete projects across the state of Pennsylvania.

Requirements

Ages 18+ at the start of the program
Able to conduct physically demanding work in all outdoor conditions.
Including:
The ability to hike up to 4 miles per day.
Regularly lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
Swing hand tools such as shovels, pick mattocks and McLeods for 6+ hours per day.
Able to live and work effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to team success.
Must be able to model safe and professional behavior at all times including wearing all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment - PPE
Must have a valid drivers license and reliable transportation to and from hitch locations
Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
Willing/able to complete overnight hitches spending 8 days away from home at a time.

Nice To Haves

An interest in conservation careers, trade skills, or a related field in highly encouraged.
Experience in trail construction and maintenance
Experience with hitch based work

Responsibilities

Trail Maintenance and Construction following sustainable trail design practice including
Implementing water management techniques
Tread work such as benching, widening, de-berming
Trail Assessments and recommendations
Clearing and log outs
Blazing
New trail construction and re-routes
Facility maintenance projects including: painting, staining, light carpentry, plumbing, siding, other building rehabilitation and upkeep
Constructions projects such as: bridges, stairs, picnic tables, pavilions, and masonry
Habitat Restoration including: invasive species identification and treatments, herbicide applications
Tree Planting, and other general landscaping
Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance
Other work as assigned