Field Leader - 2026 SCA Adirondack Corps

Student Conservation Association • Town of Long Lake, NY

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), recognized as America’s premier
conservation service organization, is in search of a dedicated and experienced
outdoor leader to manage and mentor the 24 members of the SCA Adirondack Corps.
The Corps is located at the Whitney Headquarters in Long Lake, NY, adjacent to
Little Tupper Lake.

As the Project Leader, you will be instrumental in the program’s success. You
will collaborate with the Field Logistics Coordinator and Program Manager to
train, supervise, and assist crew members in executing a variety of technical
trail and conservation projects across the expansive 6-million-acre Adirondack
State Park.

Project Leaders will develop industry recognized skills that will prepare them
for a career in conservation. They will learn how to work with a team, manage
projects, and develop technical skills in trail construction, invasive species
management, and other conservation practices. They will also gain experience in
leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These skills will be valuable in
any career path, but especially in conservation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Willing to use personal vehicle for travel to project site (gas reimbursement provided).
• Previous trail construction and maintenance experience required.
• Ability to live on site.
• Prior experience supervising young adults in an outdoor setting.
• Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards (i.e. 3 years minimum driving experience).
• Criminal background check that meets SCA standards are required.
• Community organizing skills and strong capacity to work in a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while motivating a crew with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to multi-task and troubleshoot in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and follow through on administrative tasks.

Nice To Haves

• 1-3 years of work/life Conservation Crew experience.
• Interpersonal Social Skills
• Current or ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder (or higher) / CPR certification
• Ability to obtain chainsaw certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire your crew to achieve their best work, both individually and as a group.
• Make sure your crew is well-equipped and prepared for any challenge by facilitating team operations such as food planning, tools and equipment maintenance and preparation, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Emergency Response Plan Preparation (ERP).
• Actively manage project/member risk to maintain a safe work environment.
• Travel to backcountry work locations to support projects and camp with teams.
• Supervise and assist the outdoor work skills training of corps members.
• Ensure that the quality and technique of the work performed is at top-notch standards, whether it’s trail improvement, carpentry, rigging, felling, stonework or rustic timber construction projects.
• Actively manage risk in accordance with SCA protocols to maintain a safe & professional work environment for program participants.
• Promote leadership development within the team and evaluate member success and potential.
• Manage professional relationships with agency partners.
• Work collaboratively with agency partners on program logistics.
• Ensure successful and timely completion of work projects.
• Ensure an emotionally safe and inclusive group environment for members.
• Deescalate any interpersonal disputes as soon as possible.
• Communicate all vehicle, work, camp and personal actions/matters to coordinators in a timely manner.

Benefits

• $1000 weekly salary
• $300 travel stipend
• Meals: Provided during fieldwork
• Phone stipend: $64/month
• Gear: Group camping gear provided (tents, stoves, cooking supplies)
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR Certification - $900
• Developing Thinking Sawyer Certification - $400
• Rigging and Grip hoist Use for Trail Work - $400
• ACA Canoe Training - $75
• Comprehensive Trail Construction Skills including Native Timber, Stonework and New Trail Design
• Back Country Living Skills
• Bear Safety
• Crew Management and Leadership
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training
• Defensive Driver Training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed