Field Leader - 2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Ridgway Crew

Student Conservation Association • Ridgway, PA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking experienced, dedicated individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. This program offers paid work experience, hands-on skill development, and educational opportunities. As a Summer Crew Leader, you will supervise, guide, and lead a team of high school students in completing conservation projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands. Your responsibilities will include ensuring crew safety, guiding project work, facilitating team-building, maintaining professional communication with staff and partners, and completing associated administrative and reporting duties. You will work closely with SCA and DCNR staff to ensure a successful and meaningful season for all participants.

Requirements

• Age 21+ before the start of the position
• Must have housing in or near the program city and reliable transportation.
• Must have a current driver's License with a minimum of 3 years driving experience, and be able to pass SCA Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check
• Must be available for the full duration of the program
• Must have experience working with youth or in outdoor settings
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification
• Must obtain and provide required clearances for working with minors in PA: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance
• Must successfully complete SCA Leader Training
• Must have the ability to model safe and professional behavior at all times
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements in outdoor settings
• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face masks or shields, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Crew Supervisor by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, ensuring and maintaining SCA safety standards, teaching and monitoring project tasks, proper tool use, and body mechanics.
• Serve as a Role Model by cultivating a safe and respectful workplace environment, modeling professional behavior and work ethics, encouraging personal development, facilitating team building, guiding crew dynamics and morale, and facilitating conflict resolution.
• Act as a Project Manager by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring the successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA.
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff and Partners.
• Work collaboratively with co-leader on a small team.
• Fully supervise crew members and participate in project work and environmental education sessions.
• Maintain professional communication channels with participants, parents/guardians, and staff.

What This Job Offers

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