Field Leader - 2027 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Harrisburg Adult Crew

Student Conservation Association•Swatara Township, PA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is hiring Project Leaders for the 2027 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps field season. A Project Leader trains, supervises, and administers a crew of four young adults completing conservation projects, career development, and environmental education. Leaders work closely with SCA and DCNR staff to support a successful and meaningful season. Work takes place at various sites throughout the Harrisburg region, including state parks, forest districts, preserves, and community partner locations. The position runs from February 22 through November 26, 2027, with leader training from February 22 to March 5, leader preparation from March 8 to March 12, and crew field work from March 15 to November 18. Crew hours are Monday through Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Leaders may need to complete tasks outside those hours. Compensation is $850 per week, with optional employee-sponsored health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits. This is a full-time contract position.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Must have a valid driver's license held for at least three years and a motor vehicle record that meets SCA standards.
Must meet SCA criminal background check standards.
At least one year of leadership, teaching, or supervisory experience.
Able to develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and other members.
Able to work effectively with others toward shared goals and contribute to team success.
Able to understand verbal and/or written communication.
Dependable, flexible, and cooperative, with the ability to take initiative and complete tasks appropriately and on time.
Able to accept leadership and supervisory authority.
Able to perform physically demanding work outdoors in all conditions, including standing or remaining on one's feet for up to eight hours per day; regularly walking or hiking two miles on uneven, uphill, or downhill terrain; hiking up to five miles, often carrying a backpack, tools, and equipment; lifting up to 40 pounds; and swinging hand tools for six or more hours per day.
Able to work in extreme heat, cold, and rain; communicate safety hazards through visual and auditory means; and model safe, professional behavior while wearing required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring or coaching youth or young adults ages 18–30.
Experience with conservation or related skills, such as trail maintenance or construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, or gardening.
Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily schedule and keep crew members on task.
Conduct morning safety briefings and project debriefings.
Oversee member training in technical conservation work, directly or through agency partners.
Mentor members' personal and professional development in line with program standards.
Guide crew dynamics and promote a healthy crew culture.
Encourage participation in job shadows, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Coordinate the crew project schedule with agency partners and conduct pre-project site visits in person or virtually.
Monitor project progress, report to agency partners, and collaborate with agency staff to adjust when projects finish early or are delayed.
Coordinate environmental education opportunities throughout the season.
Track monthly expenses and maintain receipts; complete hitch reports; and manage attendance and member timecards.
Coordinate logistics for overnight hitches and trainings.
Manage the crew vehicle for the season.
Maintain the crew tool cache, including sharpening hand tools and maintaining chainsaws or other power tools.
Manage crew gear and project materials, including running errands to restock supplies.