Conservation Corps - Alaska-2026 Chugach National Forest Team Member

Student Conservation Association • Anchorage, AK

3d • $300 • Onsite

About The Position

The SCA Alaska Chugach NF corps team is a 18-week AmeriCorps program focused on leadership development, completing trail work projects and building a sense of community. This will consist of 4 young adult members and one leader. The team will spend 16 field weeks brushing trails in the Chugach National Forest. In addition to brushing trails, the crew will work on trail maintenance and building projects as assigned. The crew will camp for the entirety of their field season and serve in Glacier and Seward Ranger Districts, with possible travel to Cordova. Members will ensure project, basecamp, community, and general safety standards are upheld; full engagement is expected in all service projects and community activities. Members will interface with the general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency. Members will play an active role in learning and executing the logistics of a project, cooking meals, understanding emergency response plans, critically thinking about risk and hazard mitigation, and completing all necessary paperwork related to member service activities. Members will comply with all SCA, USFS, and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities. The team will live in close proximity and eat meals together; they will spend most of the program camping. The team will work with each other to resolve conflict and build relationships in a remote area. Cell service and modern amenities will be limited or unavailable during the work week. This team will work in a small, tight-knit community, and positive representation of SCA is expected during days off as well as during the work week. While working with the US Forest Service, the team will be able to network with professionals in natural resources and recreation management. The crew will have unique opportunities to learn about different career paths in recreation and natural resources and see first-hand what their work consists of. Members should be prepared to camp throughout the summer and face the challenges of weather, insects, remoteness and wildlife typical of outdoor work in Alaska. This is an opportunity to learn the hard and soft skills required for work in the outdoor industry; folks will walk away with experience in conservation trail work, leadership, interpersonal skills, and outdoor living skills. Any other assistance needed by agency partners, pre/post-work communal camp chores, material/supply runs to nearby towns.

Requirements

• Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required.
• Commitment to living and serving within an intensive crew environment.
• Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.
• Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
• Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member: Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; Be at least 18 years or older; Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one; Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, physical work for 8-10 hours per day.
• Ability to pass SCA’s background check.

Nice To Haves

• Interpersonal skills and community living experience are pluses.
• Experience working in an outdoor setting.
• Positive communication skills and ability to work with a team.
• Resiliency.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and with others.

Responsibilities

• Ensure project, basecamp, community, and general safety standards are upheld; full engagement is expected in all service projects and community activities.
• Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency.
• Play an active role in learning and executing the logistics of a project, cooking meals, understanding emergency response plans, critically thinking about risk and hazard mitigation, and completing all necessary paperwork related to member service activities.
• Comply with all SCA, USFS, and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities.
• Assist agency partners with any other needs.
• Participate in pre/post-work communal camp chores.
• Perform material/supply runs to nearby towns.

Benefits

• $300/week living allowance
• $1150 travel allowance
• AmeriCorps Education Award eligibility upon completion of the full season (possible 100-hour level award, depending on start)
• Food & Transportation provided for duration of program
• Bear Safety Training
• Defensive Drive Training
• First Aid/CPR Training
• Wilderness First Aid Training

What This Job Offers

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