Field Leader - Yosemite SCA Wilderness Crew

Student Conservation Association•El Portal, CA

20d•$900•Onsite

About The Position

The Yosemite SCA Wilderness Crew is a roving Ecological Restoration crew that hikes throughout the Yosemite Wilderness restoring inappropriately located campsites, social trails and trail ruts as well as removing non-native invasive plants. Yosemite has shifted to this type of crew thanks to the effectiveness of past restoration efforts and the belief that roving crews have less impact on the land. Think of yourselves as a Leave No Trace Wilderness Restoration Crew. The best ecological restoration work is that which can’t be noticed. This is a very physically challenging program given that the opportunity for flat hiking in Yosemite is extremely limited. In general there seems to be more up than down around here! The goal of the project is to facilitate the return of natural processes in areas affected by human caused impacts such as encroaching non native plants, inappropriately located campsites or braided trails. The Yosemite National Park wilderness crew will work on a multi-faceted project emphasizing the three components of Yosemite’s Wilderness Restoration Program: - Removal and ecological restoration of inappropriate campsites - Removal of invasive non-native plants - Obstruction and ecological restoration of parallel trails and social trails. Crew members will have the opportunity for a post-service visit to Yosemite Valley where they will participate in a career awareness session with NPS Staff, take an art class, have an astronomy talk, and ride bikes throughout the beautiful valley. Gear, including backpacks, tents, and food are provided if needed. Boots can be made available, but SCA recommends purchasing these on your own and can provide recommendations. The team will consist of 3-4 high school aged members, 1 senior member and 1 leader. If you're passionate about making a real difference and leading with purpose, this role is for you. Strong candidates will come with experience working and leading outdoors. In addition to technical skills, strong leader candidates also excel in fostering team dynamics, navigating interpersonal relationships, and creating a strong sense of community. Effective crew leadership revolves around building trust, problem-solving, and cultivating resilience within the team. We're seeking leaders who prioritize emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to guide others through challenges, all while creating a positive, inclusive environment. Success for our teams depends on understanding and addressing both individual and group needs. Leaders must be fully invested in supporting their crew, through everything from community meetings to one-on-one check-ins, even outside of project hours. Conservation work is unpredictable, and the best leaders are those who can adapt, communicate, and bring out the best in their team under any circumstances. Navigating inclement weather and related challenges, like all-day sun exposure, are conditions crews may face. Thunderstorms, wind and smoke can be experienced within the same workday.

Requirements

Local candidates to the Bay Area are preferred.
21+ years old; Must have the ability to legally work in the US
Valid driver’s license (3+ years) and Motor Vehicle Record that meets SCA standards
Must be able available for all scheduled program dates
Leadership experience in the outdoors (outdoor education, conservation work, or leading peer groups)
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Significant backcountry experience
Commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem-solving
Possession of or ability to obtain a Wilderness First Responder Certification during training

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities

Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing basecamp and equipment tasks, overseeing member wellbeing and guiding crew dynamics
Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
Act as a Project Manager, by ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, communicating with agency partners, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing crew budgets, and communicating with SCA staff
Menu planning and shopping