Field Leader - C&O Canal National Historic Park Oldtown Crew

Student Conservation Association•Oldtown, MD

6h•$900•Onsite

About The Position

This crew, based at the Oldtown Maintenance Shop in Oldtown, MD, will support C&O Canal maintenance staff with daily tasks along the towpath. Members will remove vegetation from historic stone structures such as culverts, locks, flumes, and walls, as well as assist with removing fallen trees. The crew, composed of two members, will work under an SCA crew leader alongside NPS partners and staff. As NPS capacity allows, opportunities may include earning chainsaw certification, masonry projects, and carpentry projects. Basic First Aid and CPR training will be provided if needed. Successful completion may qualify members for Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority, granting eligibility for federal merit-based job openings for two years.

Requirements

Minimum of 21 years of age
Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards
Willing to perform manual, physical labor for up to 9 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
US Work Authorization
Meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with tools and vegetation removal highly preferred
experience working outdoors a plus; experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, leading, or environmental education preferred
Experience working in a team
open to learning new skills
communication

Responsibilities

Foster teamwork, guide crew dynamics, and manage field-based tasks to ensure safety and productivity.
Train crew members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and promote environmental stewardship values.
Communicate with agency and park partners, oversee successful and timely project completion, and ensure a positive representation of the SCA.
Organize logistics, manage program budgets, complete necessary documentation, and maintain clear communication with SCA staff.
Upon completing SCA’s MVR check, SCA and NPS driver safety training, and field test, safely transport crew members to various worksite locations using an NPS work vehicle
Complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, attending weekly staff check-in meetings, or reviewing member time logs, among other things.