Field Leader – Acadia Crew

The Student Conservation Association is seeking a Field Leader for the Acadia Crew, based in Otter Creek, ME. The role involves leading a crew in conservation projects, environmental education, and recreation at Acadia National Park from August 17 to August 28, 2026. Responsibilities include supervising activities, ensuring safety, teaching stewardship skills, and managing camp operations. Candidates must be 21+, possess a valid driver's license, and have camping and youth development experience.
Position Summary


The Crew Will travel from NYC to Acadia National Park in Maine.
The Crew will travel approximately halfway to Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire and camp with the NH Corps Programs on the night of August 17th and travel to Blackwoods Campground, 155 Blackwoods Drive, Otter Creek, Maine 04660 on August 18th.
The program will consist of conservation stewardship service work, environmental education, and recreation. One of the major projects will be supporting Acadia’s Soils to Summits initiative, hiking pH neutral soil to the peak of Mount Sargent to aid in soil rehabilitation.
The majority of the program will take place at Acadia National Park. However, the crew will also take day trips to other sites in the region.



Hosting Organization


Acadia National Park



Location


Otter Creek, ME



Schedule


August 17, 2026 – August 28, 2026



Key Duties and Responsibilities



Lead and supervise all daily activities, ensuring participation and engagement
Ensure safety at all times, including proper tool use, risk management, and emergency response
Teach and model stewardship skills and environmental ethics
Manage camp operations (schedule, meals, logistics, group flow)
Support youth development through mentorship, conflict resolution, and positive behavior guidance
Maintain clear communication with participants, co-leaders, and program staff
Uphold program policies and create a safe, inclusive environment

Marginal Duties



Complete daily logs or brief reports on activities and incidents
Take photos or help document the program (as appropriate)
Assist with gear tracking, inventory, and supply management
Support communication with partners or site hosts
Help coordinate transportation or end-of-day logistics
Step in to cover group needs as situations arise

Required Qualifications



21+
A valid driver’ license

Preferred Qualifications



Camping Experience
Youth Development Experience

General Physical Requirements



Understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. .
Wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.
Cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.

Leader Responsibilities



Create an appropriate learning environment for members to learn new skills
Facilitate group processes including group decision-making, hazard analyses, conflict management.
Communicate with program supervisor regarding crew, equipment, and programmatic needs.
Assess members’ skill level, reliability, and judgment in order to adjust supervision level according to the progress of the crew.
Comprehend and uphold all SCA Policies and Procedures throughout the position after successfully completing all SCA Leader online and in-person trainings.
Respond appropriately and in line with SCA incident management protocols in times of high stress, such as when encountering large and/or potentially hazardous animals, severe weather, medical emergency, or other incident.
Complete various administrative tasks including managing a budget, arranging accommodations, retaining receipts and reconciling purchases, communicating with agency contact, etc., as applicable to the position.
Provide evidence of all required certifications.
Carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 45% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
Grip a third point of contact for balance while crossing rivers/streams or ascending/descending sloped trails.
If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
Re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat’s safety procedures and safety equipment.

Working Conditions


Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.


Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.


Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.


Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.



Hours


40 per week



Living Accommodations


Camping in SCA provided tents and sleeping bags at Blackwoods Campground- 155 Blackwoods Drive, Otter Creek, ME 04660



Compensation


$950.00/week


$45.00/month cell phone reimbursement


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.