Field Leader – 2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps – Ridgway Crew

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Field Leader for the 2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps in Ridgway, PA. The role involves supervising high school students in conservation projects, ensuring safety, and managing administrative tasks. The position requires experience working with youth, a valid driver's license, and CPR/First Aid certification. Training is provided, but leaders must secure their own housing. The job runs from June 10 to August 11, 2026.
POSITION SUMMARY


The Student Conservation Association, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking experienced, dedicated individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, hands-on skill development, and educational opportunities. Summer Crew Leaders will supervise, guide, and lead a team of high school students in completing conservation projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands. Throughout the season, leaders will ensure the safety of their crews, guide and supervise project work, facilitate team-building, maintain professional communication with staff and partners, and complete associated administrative and reporting duties related to the position. Project leaders work closely with SCA and DCNR staff to ensure a successful and meaningful season for all participants.



POSITION DETAILS


Location: Ridgway, PA



Position Dates



Leader Position: 6/10/26 – 8/11/26

Total paid days: 45 days (9 weeks)


Mandatory Leader Training: 6/10/26 – 6/23/26 (Virtual and In-Person sessions)

Virtual Sessions (Zoom): 6/10/26 – 6/11/26; 6/23/26
In-Person Conservation Work Skills: 6/14 /26 – 6/21/26

Location – Training site: Laurelville Retreat Center, Mt. Pleasant, PA
Fully paid training with transportation, lodging, and all meals provided. Travel and overnight, on-site stay required at training site full-time from 6/14/26 – 6/21/26. Training details will be shared in advance.




Leader Prep Week: 6/24/26 – 6/25/26
Members in the Field: 6/30/26 – 8/7/26
Leader Season Debrief: 8/10/26 – 8/11/26

Travel and an overnight stay are required. Group lodging and meals provided.



Weekly Schedule


Monday – Friday; 7:30 am – 3:30 pm



Compensation


$19.38/hr (approx. $775/week pre-tax) paid biweekly.


*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.



Hours – 40 hr/week


*In the event of rare inclement and/or other severe weather, the crew may be called off for an unpaid day or day/s to ensure the safety of all participants until the threat passes; therefore, due to the nature of the work, 40 hours is not guaranteed.



Required Qualifications



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

Living Accommodations and Transportation


No housing provided. Leaders must have/secure their own housing before the program start date. Crew vehicles are provided for daily team travel between the crew’s centralized meeting location and all worksites. Leaders must have reliable transportation for travel between the meeting location and home.



Key Duties and 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

Marginal Duties (Leaders)



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

JOB FUNCTIONS


Projects May Include



Trail maintenance and construction, including implementing water management techniques, brushing, blazing, and rerouting,
Habitat Restoration, including invasive species identification and treatments, tree Planting, and installing Riparian Buffers
Facility maintenance projects, including painting, staining, and basic carpentry
Construction projects such as bridges, stairs, picnic tables, and pavilions
Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance

Working Conditions



Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
Work settings require the ability to interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives positively.
Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.
Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito-borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.

General Physical Requirements



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.

Equal Opportunity Statement


SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.