2027 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Americorps Laurel Highlands Adult Crew

Student Conservation Association • Greensburg, PA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and much more across the country. This position is part of SCA’s AmeriCorps National Direct Program. SCA AmeriCorps National Direct is a partnership between SCA and AmeriCorps which engages young adults aged 18 and over in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is a collaboration between the SCA and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The Outdoor Corps is seeking outgoing, team-oriented individuals to serve as crew members. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid service 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. Crew members can expect to engage in a variety of service projects related to infrastructure improvements, trail maintenance, and resource management. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps strongly emphasizes personal and professional growth. Members will engage in various professional development opportunities throughout the season, including trainings, certifications, networking, job shadowing, resume review, interviewing skills and environmental education activities.

Requirements

• Ages 18 - 25 at the start of the program.
• Must have housing in or near the program city. (45 Minutes or less drive to meeting location).
• Must have reliable transportation to and from crew meeting location.
• Must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Available for the duration of the entire service term – must complete at least 1200 service hours
• Willing/able to complete overnight hitches during the season, spending 3 - 5 days away from home with the crew.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and other members;
• Able to serve effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to team success.
• Understand verbal and/or written communication;
• Must be dependable, flexible, and cooperative;
• Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand without prompting;
• Accepting of leadership and supervisory authority; and
• Completes tasks appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Able to conduct physically demanding service in all outdoor conditions.
• Ability to stand or remain on your feet for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to regularly walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 2 miles.
• Hike up to 5 miles, often while carrying a backpack, tools, and equipment.
• Lift heavy objects up to 40 pounds.
• Swing hand tools such as shovels, pick mattocks and mcleods for 6+ hours per day.
• Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain.
• Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
• Must be able to model safe and professional behavior at all times including wearing all appropriate personal protective equipment - PPE
• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
• Being at least 18 years or older;
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

Nice To Haves

• Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required.
• Commitment to serving as a productive team member; demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.
• Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation.
• Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
• Full participation in professional development activities including virtual and in person sessions.
• Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities is preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field is preferred.
• Individuals over 21 with a clean driving record will be required to drive an SCA vehicle at times during the field season.

Responsibilities

• Facility maintenance such as: painting, staining, light carpentry, plumbing, siding, other building rehabilitation and upkeep.
• Construction projects such as: bridges, stairs, picnic tables, pavilions, and masonry.
• Trail maintenance and construction including: implementing water management techniques, brushing, blazing, reroutes.
• Habitat Restoration including: invasive species identification and treatments, herbicide applications.
• Tree Planting, and other general landscaping.
• Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance.
• Additional service activities as assigned within the scope of the core project.
• Assist with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials.
• Assists with inspection and maintenance of program vehicles.
• Supports coordination of transportation, safety protocols, accessibility needs, and other supplies for programs.

Benefits

• Paid service experience
• Job training
• Educational opportunities
• Professional development opportunities
• Option to enroll in Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits through AmeriCorps (individual enrollment only)
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED