2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Adult Wilkes-Barre Crew

Student Conservation Association•Wilkes-Barre, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is seeking outgoing individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. This program offers paid work experience, job training, and educational opportunities. Corps members will join a team of young adults to complete conservation and infrastructure projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands. Throughout the season, members will also participate in education and training activities related to resource management, environmental education, and recreation. The Wilkes-Barre crew project locations may include places such as Pinchot Forest District, Hickory Run State Park, Promised Land State Park, Tobyhanna State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Vosburg Neck State Park, Nescopeck State Park, Beltzville State Park, Locust Lake State Park, Appalachian Trail (Appalachian Trail Conservancy), DCNR Leadership School, and other Community Partners and Organizations.

Requirements

Ages 18+ at the start of the program.
Able to conduct physically demanding work in all outdoor conditions.
The ability to hike up to 4 miles per day.
Regularly lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
Swing hand tools such as shovels, pick mattocks and McLeods for 6+ hours per day.
Able to work effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to team success.
Must be able to model safe and professional behavior at all times including wearing all appropriate personal protective equipment - PPE.
Must have housing in or near the program city. (45 Minutes or less drive to meeting location).
Must have reliable transportation to and from crew meeting location.
Must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
Willing/able to complete overnight hitches during the season, spending 3 - 5 days away from home with the crew.
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 mask or shield, 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 with 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.
If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

Nice To Haves

An interest in conservation careers, trade skills, or a related field in highly encouraged.
Individuals over 21 with a clean driving record will be required to drive an SCA vehicle at times during the field season.

Responsibilities

Facility maintenance projects including: painting, staining, light carpentry, plumbing, siding, other building rehabilitation and upkeep.
Construction projects such as: bridges, stairs, picnic tables, pavilions, and masonry.
Trail maintenance and construction including: implementing water management techniques, brushing, blazing, reroutes.
Habitat Restoration including: invasive species identification and treatments, herbicide applications.
Tree Planting, and other general landscaping.
Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance.
Other work as assigned.
Utilization of Three Job Shadow Days. Participation is not required but highly encouraged.