2027 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Cultural Resource Crew

Student Conservation Association • Middletown, PA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Cultural Resource Crew is an SCA AmeriCorps position in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The program provides paid service experience, job training, and educational opportunities for young adults interested in archaeology, historic preservation, and land and resource management. Members serve at sites throughout Pennsylvania, primarily in state parks and forests, and gain practical field experience and professional skills through project work and development activities.

Projects may include Phase I archaeological and above-ground historic resource surveys; resource inventory, curation, and cataloguing; research-oriented investigations; site assessments and reconnaissance of landscape features; assistance with historical restoration; and cemetery preservation and maintenance. Additional service activities may be assigned within the scope of the core project. Members also participate in trainings, certifications, networking, job shadowing, and environmental education activities.

The service term runs March 15, 2027 through November 18, 2027. Members must complete at least 1,200 service hours to be eligible for the AmeriCorps award. The posting lists a 37.5-hour weekly schedule and also states that members serve 40 hours per week; actual hours are not guaranteed during extreme weather. Monday through Wednesday hours are 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and Thursday hours are 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Regular travel is required, and some nights and weekends may be required. The position is field-based, and members report to assigned weekly service locations. Program-provided housing is shared during hitch, with camping possible when park housing is unavailable. No accommodations are provided on off days, and members must have a Pennsylvania residence to return to.

Members receive a living allowance of $675 per week and may receive a $5,176.50 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the 1,200-hour term. The position is eligible for federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment for qualifying loans. Individual enrollment in AmeriCorps health, dental, and vision benefits is available. Orientation and other training are provided; training will not exceed 20% of total service hours.

Requirements

• Must be 18–25 years old at the start of the program.
• Must be a Pennsylvania resident.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle, and reliable transportation to and from hitch locations throughout Pennsylvania.
• Must be available for the entire service term, March 15, 2027 through November 18, 2027, and complete at least 1,200 service hours.
• Must be willing to serve regularly in the field and away from home, including living in shared accommodations while on hitch.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be actively working to complete one.
• Must be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks, after acceptance.
• Must develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and other members.
• Must be able to live and serve effectively with other team members.
• Must understand verbal and/or written communication.
• Must be dependable, flexible, cooperative, and able to take initiative and complete tasks appropriately and on time.
• Must accept leadership and supervisory authority.
• Must communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
• Must be willing to serve in environmental conditions including extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, precipitation, and other adverse weather.
• Must fully participate in professional development activities, including virtual and in-person sessions.
• Must comply with AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement.

Nice To Haves

• College degree in Cultural Resources Management, Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Experience writing for technical publication and public outreach.
• Experience in curation of archaeological or archival materials.
• Commitment to serving as a productive team member and demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in cultural resource field projects, including archaeological and historic resource surveys, resource inventory, curation, cataloguing, research investigations, and site assessments.
• Assist with historical restoration projects and cemetery preservation and maintenance.
• Complete additional service activities assigned within the scope of the core project.
• Participate in professional development, including trainings, certifications, networking, job shadowing, and environmental education activities.
• Serve effectively as a team member and contribute to team goals and success.
• Participate in shared housing and crew responsibilities, including chores, cooking group meals, and grocery shopping.
• Assist with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials.
• Assist with inspection and maintenance of program vehicles.
• Support coordination of transportation, safety protocols, accessibility needs, and other program supplies.
• Complete at least 1,200 service hours during the term to qualify for the AmeriCorps award.

Benefits

• $675 per week living allowance, subject to applicable taxes.
• $5,176.50 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the 1,200-hour term.
• Federal student loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
• Option to enroll in individual AmeriCorps health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Program-provided lodging and meals during mandatory in-person Corps Member Orientation.
• Shared program housing during the season while on hitch.
• Holidays off.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED