Field Leader

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Field Leader in St. Louis, MO, to lead a team of four on various conservation projects at National Park Service sites. Responsibilities include supervising the crew, training members, managing projects, and organizing logistics. The position involves outdoor work in challenging conditions and requires flexibility. The season runs from August 16 to November 28, 2025, with training starting on August 4, 2025.
Position Summary

If you’re someone who loves being a part of a team, is seeking a new challenge, is flexible, and has a passion for working outdoors, we invite you to apply to lead this crew! This SCA team will consist of four crew members and one crew leader, and will be taking on projects alongside the National Park Service (NPS) at two different sites in Missouri.

This team’s main tasks will change as they travel to two NPS locations. Projects may include, but are not limited to, installing paver blocks at Gateway Arch National Park; installing and repairing split-rail fencing at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; and assisting with recreational or trail projects as needed.

SCA will provide all housing, necessary support services, transportation, personal safety equipment, and other standard materials/supplies necessary to perform the work.

General start of season schedule:
• Weeks one/two: Season starts with SCA Leader Training, which takes place alongside leaders from across the country, and may not take place at the same location where the team will be based. SCA provides a travel stipend for leaders to use to offset travel to/from training sites, and to/from work sites. Training may involve camping and working in a remote location.
• Week three: The leader will travel to their worksite location to begin season prep.
• Week four: The team arrives, and the leader will be joined by SCA staff for their team’s orientation and skills training. The leader may be asked to facilitate some training sessions with their crew.
• Week five: The team may have additional hands-on skills training, or will begin projects in the field!

During the season, teams typically work 8-10 hour days (40 hours a week) with weekends off. Teams are encouraged to seek out personal and professional development opportunities during the course of their season.

SCA will provide a team vehicle throughout the season for travel from site to site and worksites each day. Members may bring their vehicles for use during off-time and weekends. Please note that personal vehicles and their transport from site to site are the responsibility of the team member.

Schedule

Training Start and End Date: August 4, 2025- August 15, 2025

Program Start and End Date: August 16, 2025 – November 28, 2025

Location: St. Louis

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 and Responsibilities
• Act as a professional mentor and/or support professional development opportunities for team members.

Age Requirement

Adults 21 or older

Required Qualifications
• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing group dynamics;
• 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 safely and efficiently (hand tools, power tools, two-way radio, etc.);
• Ability to 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 the ability to obtain a Wilderness First Aid certification before the start of the season;
• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: 8/4/2025 – 8/15/2025;
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age;
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US;
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and an MVR that meets SCA standards.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

This crew will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program. The team will be provided with shared housing throughout 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.

Compensation and Benefits
• $850/week living allowance (paid bi-weekly)*;
• Up to $1,000 travel stipend, to be used for travel to/from leader training and site location;
• Meals during work days;
• SCA uniform package;
• Housing;
• SCA Leader Training..
• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.