Field Leader

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Field Leader for the 2026 Buckeye Trail Team in Shawnee, OH. The leader will supervise a team constructing new trails to enhance tourism in southeast Ohio. Responsibilities include training team members, managing projects, and ensuring safety in physically demanding outdoor conditions. The position requires experience in outdoor conservation work and the ability to perform manual labor. The role involves camping and working in remote locations.
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

- Must have the ability to legally work in the US

- 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 living allowance (pre-tax)

-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.



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.