Field Leader – Buckeye Trail Corps Team

The Student Conservation Association is seeking a Field Leader for the Buckeye Trail Corps Team in Shawnee, OH. The role involves supervising a team to construct trails, providing training in conservation skills, and managing project logistics. The position requires physical labor in outdoor settings, with camping and limited amenities. Candidates should have experience in outdoor conservation work and be prepared for variable hours and challenging terrain.
Position Summary


The 2026 Buckeye Trail Team will consist of one leader and three team members who will be working on constructing new trail along the Buckeye Trail. The trail will be built to Forest Service standards and will help in the important work of creating a 100-mile backpacking network in Perry, Athens, and Morgan County, Ohio. This project aims to increase tourism in southeast Ohio by highlighting the natural beauty and history of the region.


The Buckeye Trail Team will introduce crewmembers to trail building. The team will begin their program with a field-based training program close to the project site. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members will learn and practice hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful trail project. After training, the Buckeye Trail team will work on a variety of projects focused on trail building to meet the Buckeye Trail’s ambitious construction plan.


Trail projects involve working with hand tools and occasionally small equipment. Fieldwork is physically and mentally demanding. Crew members can expect to camp part of the season, until they move to indoor housing with the change in season. Campsites may have limited amenities or cell service. The team will have access to one SCA vehicle for transportation to/from the worksite.


Hosting Organization


Buckeye Trail Association


Location


Shawnee, OH


Schedule


July 27, 2026 – November 27, 2026


Key Duties and Responsibilities



Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics;
Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship;
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;
Work collaboratively with a team of four others to complete priority projects determined by NPS partner staff;
Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances;
Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools.

Marginal Duties



Facilitate professional development opportunities for the team, such as resume building/reviewing

Required Qualifications



Experience with outdoor conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e. trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, or gardening
Experience with various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (hand tools, power tools, two-way radio, etc.)
Perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Wilderness First Aid certification, or ability to obtain a Wilderness First Aid certification before start of season
Attend Crew Leader training, which may take place at a different location than where team will be based throughout the season
21 years of age or older
US Work Authorization
Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards.

Preferred Qualifications



Prior trail building or trail maintenance experience
Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education

Hours


40 per week


Living Accommodations


This crew will live and work together for the duration of the season. The team may be provided with shared housing for a portion of the season; team members should expect to share rooms and common spaces (kitchen, bathrooms). Members should also expect to participate in communal living practices such as cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and sharing chores at the team house. When camping, team members will be provided with a campsite and camping gear (tent and sleeping pad).


Compensation



Living allowance: $850*/week
Up to $1,000 travel stipend, to be used for travel to/from leader training and site location
Budget for meals during work days (managed by leader)
SCA trails training, Crew Leader Training, ongoing professional development training

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