Urban Green - Fall 2026 George Washington Memorial Pkwy Trail Crew Member

Student Conservation Association • Arlington, VA

9h • $600 • Onsite

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is seeking participants for its George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) Young Adult AmeriCorps Trail Crew. This position is part of SCA’s National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI), a partnership with AmeriCorps and The Corps Network. OYSI engages youth aged 18-24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields. As a member of the GWMP Trail Crew, you will serve on a team of 4 young adults, conducting hands-on conservation projects focused on trail maintenance and improvement. Projects will include designing and constructing a timber staircase, repairing and installing retaining walls, and repairing and installing split-rail fencing. Secondary projects may include bridge and boardwalk repairs. Service will be outdoors and may require heavy lifting (approx. 50 lbs) and using hand and power tools. Team members will be supervised by an experienced SCA Crew Leader and are expected to be respectful, on-time, hardworking, and safety-conscious.

Requirements

• Must be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or be actively working to complete one.
• Must be willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check (including criminal background, sex offender, and FBI checks) after acceptance of the position.
• Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required.
• Commitment to serving as a productive team member; demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.
• Commitment to service in environmental conditions that may include high heat, cold, high winds, and precipitation.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 1 mile.
• Ability to hike up to 5 miles, often while carrying a backpack, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions including high heat, cold, rain.
• Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and members.
• Function as part of a team.
• Understand verbal and/or written communication.
• Must be dependable, flexible, and cooperative.
• Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand without prompting.
• Accepting of leadership and supervisory authority.
• Completes tasks appropriately and in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

• Carpentry and landscaping skills are a plus.
• Experience working on a team is preferred.
• Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities is preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designing and constructing a timber staircase to improve trail accessibility.
• Repairing and installing retaining walls to address drainage and erosion issues.
• Repairing and installing split-rail fencing.
• Performing secondary projects such as bridge and boardwalk repairs, as time allows.
• Using hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
• Communicating the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
• Completing feedback surveys.
• Participating in professional development and training activities.
• Assisting with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials.

Benefits

• Living allowance - $600/week
• Housing allowance - $600/month (bi-weekly pay schedule)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,565.08 for successful completion of the member term of service.
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
• AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation
• SCA Risk Management Training
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace Training
• Workforce Development & Job Readiness (Regular, interactive trainings monthly)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED