Field Leader - New Hampshire Trail Conservation Corps

The Field Leader position at Student Conservation Association in New Hampshire involves training and supervising field crews for trail projects and habitat restoration. The role requires significant travel to various project sites, primarily in the field, with a focus on team management, safety, and collaboration with public land agencies. Candidates should have experience in trail work, outdoor skills, and the ability to perform physical labor.
SCA New Hampshire Conservation Corps Project Leader

Position Summary:


The SCA NH Conservation Corps Project Leaders (2) plays a crucial role in the success of the conservation program, working closely with the Trail & Program Operations Specialist and to train, supervise, and support three field crews of corps members completing technical trail projects, habitat restoration and visitor-use structure construction throughout New Hampshire. SCA NH Corps crews use traditional trail skills, carpentry skills, restoration techniques, and physical labor to complete an array of projects while camping on 11-day hitches. Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance, rock stairs, carpentry, bridge construction, impacted site restoration, invasive vegetation removal and historic preservation. The program works in partnership with New Hampshire State Parks and AmeriCorps and serves throughout the state including the White Mountain National Forest. The Project Leader is largely a field-based position spending approximately 80% of time traveling during the conservation service season to project sites.





Location: Bear Brook State Park – Allenstown, NH





Position Dates: 8/23/2026 – 11/6/2026 (Dates are slightly flexible)





Key Duties & Responsibilities:


As an SCA NHCC Project Leader you will serve as a teacher, supervisor, technical advisor, and role model for your crew. Facilitate team operations: tools & equipment, vehicles, worksite management, basecamp. Actively manage group dynamics and corps members' well-being in remote environments and at the Spruce Pond Camp program site. Actively manage project/member risk to maintain a safe work environment. Supervise and assist the work skills training of corps members. Manage the quality & technique of project outcomes. Promote leadership development within the team and evaluate success and potential. Manage relationships with agency partners and work collaboratively with public land agencies on program logistics. Ensure successful and timely completion of conservation service projects on public land. Assist SCA Trail & Program Operations Specialist in budget management and reconciliation. Represent SCA in a positive manner. Regular travel to work locations to support projects and camp with crews.





Marginal Duties


Assisting staff with vehicle maintenance and shuttling, facility cleaning and maintenance, after-hours member check-ins, equipment maintenance, and any other assistance needed by agency partners. Contribute to mid-season and end of season member evaluations, day-to-day budget management, and participate in periodic staff meetings.





Required Qualifications:



1-2 years prior experience in supervising young adults in a trail work setting.
Previous trail construction experience.
Camping, hiking, and backcountry experience.
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and lift and/or move 60+ pounds.
Experience/certification with chainsaw required – ability to recertify during the position.
Have working knowledge of safely operating power and hand-tools.
21+ years of age
USA Work Authorization
A valid driver's license for 3 years
Must have personal vehicle, mileage reimbursement available for work-related travel.

Preferred Qualifications



USFS Thinking Sawyer B Level Chainsaw Certification.
Experience/certifications with rigging/Griphoist preferred; ability to certify during the position.
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification a plus—ability to recertify through program.
Backcountry experience
Experience working and/or living in community settings.
Trailer Driving Experience

Compensation & Benefits:



Salary: $850/week
Housing & utilities provided – private rustic cabin with wood stove. Wi-fi access, garden space, short walk to program lodge with all amenities.
Food and meals provided (during work and off days), full access to commercial kitchen.
PTO
Paid Holidays
Optional Employee Sponsored Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement)
Cell Phone Reimbursement ($45/month)
NH State Parks day-use pass

Equal Opportunity Statement


The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.



People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply


Work Location: In person