2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Roving Trail Crew

Student Conservation Association•Swatara Township, PA

1d•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 Trail Crew will focus on completing trail improvements projects across Pennsylvania. A major anticipated project in 2026 is the restoration of the Glen Onoko Falls Trail system in Jim Thorpe, PA, which will involve a significant amount of technical stonework and could comprise at least 50% of the work season. The remaining time will be spent on projects in parks and forests throughout Pennsylvania. The trail crew consists of eight total members and two project leaders. At times, the crew will function as one unit, and at other times, it will be subdivided to work on separate projects. Throughout the season, the Trail Crew will receive training in Technical Rigging (rock work) and Sustainable Trail Design and Management.

Requirements

Ages 18+ at the start of the program
Able to conduct physically demanding work in all outdoor conditions
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 live and 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 a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from hitch locations
Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
Willing/able to complete overnight hitches spending 8 days away from home at a time

Nice To Haves

An interest in conservation careers, trade skills, or a related field is highly encouraged.
Experience in trail construction and maintenance
Experience with hitch based work

Responsibilities

Trail Maintenance and Construction following sustainable trail design practice including: Implementing water management techniques, Tread work such as benching, widening, de-berming, Trail Assessments and recommendations, Clearing and log outs, Blazing, New trail construction and re-routes
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
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 encouraged but not required)