2026 Disaster Response Team Member

Student Conservation Association • Claridon Township, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) seeks qualified applicants to participate in disaster recovery and response projects in the Florida Panhandle in response to Hurricane Isaias. SCA is part of AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams, a coalition of service programs that mobilizes members to provide critical services at disaster sites.

Disaster response and recovery work can be emotionally and physically challenging. Team members will work with communities that have experienced significant trauma and loss, and should bring compassion, resilience, creativity, tenacity, and self-awareness. Once deployed, members will have little to no time off and should be prepared to work and live in challenging conditions with limited infrastructure. Projects may include mucking and gutting, mold remediation, natural-area restoration, donations or volunteer management, and administrative work.

The deployment is scheduled for November 9, 2026 through December 7, 2026. The position involves 50–60 hours per week. Housing is provided, with accommodations varying by deployment and potentially including a gymnasium, community center, hotel, or camp-like setting. Meals are provided throughout the deployment, disaster response operations training is provided, and travel expenses are covered by SCA. A personal vehicle is not needed.

Requirements

• Be service-minded and have a strong desire to help others.
• Have a positive attitude and a high level of maturity.
• Be self-sufficient, adaptable, and flexible, including the ability to thrive with little leadership and care for oneself in stressful environments.
• Be able to take on a variety of duties and projects related to conservation and disaster response.
• Be team-oriented and comfortable living and serving in close proximity with others.
• Be able to manage conflicts proactively and productively.
• Be in good physical condition, including the ability to repeatedly lift up to 30 pounds and work up to 12 hours a day in a variety of weather conditions.
• Be willing to perform work that may require personal protective equipment to mitigate potential exposure to molds, allergens, and other hazards.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Be able to undergo and pass state and federal background checks.
• Be eligible to enroll in AmeriCorps.

Nice To Haves

• Chainsaw experience.

Responsibilities

• Deploy to recent disasters to support critical response activities.
• Complete basic construction tasks and lead teams of volunteers in construction work.
• Perform administrative service related to logistics, community relations, individual and public assistance, planning, preparedness, and recovery activities.
• Conduct data entry and help sign up disaster survivors for assistance.
• Muck and gut damaged homes, remove debris, and restore natural areas.
• Assist with team logistics planning and data collection, and participate as a member of the team.
• Perform non-routine tool and gear maintenance.
• Drive the SCA vehicle for team support if eligible.

Benefits

• Housing provided for the deployment.
• Meals provided throughout the deployment.
• Training in disaster response operations.
• Travel expenses covered by SCA.
• Living allowance of $950 per week, subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

What This Job Offers

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