Individual Placement – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Participant

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Backcountry Participant for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from May 18 to August 8, 2026. The role involves supporting visitor management, conducting facility checks, addressing safety concerns, and assisting with emergencies. The position requires a driver's license and is open to individuals aged 16-30 or veterans. Shared accommodations are provided, along with a living allowance and other benefits. Local applicants are preferred.
Position Summary


This backcountry position is located on the southern side of the big island of Hawaii at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The intern will work with park law enforcement staff in front-county and backcountry settings, performing a variety of tasks in support of visitor management and safety.



Location


Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI



Schedule


May 18, 2026 – August 8, 2026



Key Duties and Responsibilities


· Conduct checks of backcountry facilities (cabins, coastal shelters and water catchment systems)


· Document backcountry problems and report to appropriate division


· Document and report all potential visitor safety and law enforcement concerns


· Check backcountry permits and answer questions about the park to backcountry users


· Use education to correct actions that cause harm to wilderness values and notify Law Enforcement Rangers when a violation occurs


· Respond to and/or assist with backcountry emergencies such as searches, injuries etc.


· Assist with front-country projects such as eruption duty, parking control for special events etc.


· Assist interpretive staff in visitor center with visitor management


· Conduct trail projects and work hard outdoors


· Promote Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics to park users and attend training on this topic



Marginal Duties


· Assist Resource Management Staff with projects such as sea turtle and nene protection.



Required Qualifications


Driver’s license



This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.



Preferred Qualifications


Local applicants preferred



Hours


40 per week



Living Accommodations


If required, housing will be shared accommodations located in the Park. The placement will share common areas, like kitchen and bathroom, and may share a room with up to three people. If housing is not required, the placement will receive a housing stipend.



Compensation


$300/week living allowance


$915/month housing allowance


$1,300 one-time travel stipend


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



Personal Vehicle Information


Not needed



Additional Benefits


Defensive Driving Training


AmeriCorps: Not Eligible



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.