Field Leader

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Field Leader for their Massachusetts Conservation Corps in Saugus, MA. This role involves supervising and training corps members on conservation projects, including trail construction and habitat restoration, from May to September 2025. Responsibilities include facilitating teamwork, providing technical support, managing project logistics, and ensuring safety. Candidates should have experience supervising young adults and be able to perform physical labor outdoors.
SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps – Project Leader: Saugus, MA

Conservation Begins Here.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community spaces across the country.

Position Dates:

Program Start and End Dates: 5/26/2025 – 9/26/2025

Location: Saugus, Massachusetts

Primary Responsibilities:

The SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps (MACC) Project Leaders play a crucial role in the success of the conservation program, working closely with the Program Coordinator and Manager to train, supervise, and support corps members completing technical trail projects and habitat restoration in their region of Massachusetts. SCA MACC crews use traditional trail skills, restoration techniques, carpentry skills, and physical labor to complete an array of projects. These projects take two to three weeks, while the crews serve 4, 10-hour workdays from Tuesday- Friday. The Field Leader will have some administrative duties on Mondays throughout the season.

Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance, rock stairs, carpentry, bridge construction, and invasive vegetation removal. The program works in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and AmeriCorps.

This position works in collaboration with the full-time MA Corps staff and is directly supervised and supported by the Program Coordinator.

Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
• Act as a Crew Supervisor by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics.
• Facilitate and help members build their teamwork and leadership skills
• Provide technical project support
• Assist members with the administrative tasks of completing timecards, project reports, and other duties as needed
• Aid members in the maintenance of programmatic tools and equipment
• Maintain and uphold risk management policies
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical work skills, mentoring personal and professional development
• Supervise and assist with work skills training for corps members
• Manage the quality & technique of project outcomes
• Promote leadership development of members and evaluate success & potential
• Actively manage risk by SCA protocols to maintain a safe workplace for program participants
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring 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.

Leader Qualifications:
• 1-2 years of prior experience in supervising young adults, preferably in an outdoor setting
• Strong communication, leadership skills, and a work ethic are required
• Self-starter, ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced team
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, occasionally lifting 50 pounds or more, and hiking 5 or more miles per day
• Previous trail construction experience and knowledge are desired
• Wilderness first aid and CPR or higher certification is desired, but not required
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Able to legally work in the US
• Valid Driver’s license and driving record within SCA guidelines
• Ability to pass criminal background checks
• Have a personal vehicle – mileage reimbursement available for work-related travel

Leader Benefits and Compensation:
• Salary: $900 per week
• Housing or housing stipend provided ($2,000/month)
• Travel Stipend: $800 (1/2 paid on first paycheck, 1/2 paid on last)
• Stipend for use of personal cell phone
• Training & professional development opportunities

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 employees may grow personally and professionally.