Individual Placement – Recreation Aide Fort Peck Lake

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Recreation Aide for the Fort Peck Lake project in Montana. The intern will assist park rangers with visitor engagement, water safety outreach, and recreation area oversight from May to September 2026. Responsibilities include supporting museum operations, conducting educational activities, and maintaining facilities. Candidates must be 18+, have a valid driver's license, and be able to work outdoors. Housing is provided.
Position Summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the leading Federal provider of outdoor recreation. Fort Peck Project is in the Upper Great Plains of northeast Montana with 31 recreation areas around the 5th largest reservoir in the US. The Fort Peck Interpretive Center is a destination for nearly 15,000 visitors annually featuring full skeletal mount dinosaurs, the state’s largest freshwater aquariums, an expansive wildlife diorama and historical exhibits describing construction of Fort Peck Dam and life in the 1930s. The intern will assist park rangers and volunteers with visitor related duties, water safety outreach and recreation area oversight.

Location

Fort Peck, MT

Schedule

May 18, 2026 – September 4, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

This position primarily interacts with visitors to the Regional, Class A Fort Peck Interpretive Center. The intern supports Interpretive Center operations orienting visitors to the museum and geographic area, developing weekly youth activities, registering visitors for powerhouse tours. The intern assists with student field trips and conducts historical research for visiting public. Activities include supporting the USACE water safety program including coordinating a public field day with other agencies and awarding adult boaters for wearing life jackets. Intern work is important for maintaining informational displays, assisting with public information distribution and educational programs, special events, and maintaining ambassador animal exhibits. This position supports maintenance and safety of exhibits and the facilities, inside and out. The position works closely with USACE staff and volunteers to serve the public and complete projects.

Marginal Duties

The intern also supports campground and recreation area operations with an emphasis on facility and grounds maintenance, cleanliness, and visitor assistance and support. Duties include inspecting and maintaining campsites and common areas; repairing and maintaining signs, picnic tables, painting; litter removal; playground and safety equipment inspections; inspecting vacated campsites for damage; replenishing supplies; and assisting with weed and pest control. The intern also assists with routine safety checks of equipment, maintains records of completed work, and reports maintenance or safety concerns to staff.

Required Qualifications
• Must be 18 years of age; Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English
• Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds
• Must wear SCA-provided attire while on duty
• Must have dependable transportation due to the remote nature of the work location
• Must have experience (paid or volunteer) working with the public; Must be able to work as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications
• Developing or leading youth educational activities or projects
• Public speaking experience
• Social media content development
• Minor landscaping
• Interest in outdoor recreation, natural resources such as fisheries, wildlife, water resources, recreation management
• Knowledge of geology or paleontology would be a bonus.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations
• Housing is not provided
• Must have dependable transportation due to the remote nature of the work location.

Compensation
• Living Allowance: $350/week
• Housing Allowance: $1,000/month
• Commuting Allowance: $150/week
• Up to $650 in reimbursable expenses for relocation

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits
• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• 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.