Field Leader - Angeles National Forest Restoration Corps

The Student Conservation Association is seeking a Project Leader for the Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team. This role involves leading a crew in ecological restoration efforts, specifically installing barriers to prevent illegal vehicle access in postfire landscapes. Responsibilities include crew management, project implementation, and logistics. The position runs from September 13 to November 25, 2026, and requires on-site work in the Angeles National Forest.
Conservation Corps – 2026 Western Corps Angeles National Forest Restoration Team


Project Leader: Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District





Position Summary


Conservation Begins Here.


Are you ready to lead a high impact conservation project, mentor emerging conservationists, and work closely with U.S. Forest Service partners to protect sensitive postfire landscapes? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as the Project Leader for our Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team — a role that blends leadership, logistics, technical fieldwork, and meaningful ecological restoration.


You'll guide a 4‑person crew through the installation of approximately 700 feet of metal post‑and‑cable OHV barriers, helping prevent illegal off‑highway vehicle (OHV) access and supporting long-term habitat recovery in one of the most heavily impacted regions of the Angeles National Forest.





Schedule


Position Dates: 9/13/2026 – 11/25/2026


Leader Preseason: 9/13/2026 – 9/17/2026


Crew Member Training:



Crew Member Training: 9/14 – 9/17
Wilderness First Aid: 9/18 – 9/19
Conservation Work Skills: 9/20 - 9/24

Field Season: 9/28/2026 – 11/19/2026


Crew Members Depart: 11/21/2026


Leader Postseason Wrap Up: 11/23/2026 – 11/25/2026


Total Term: 11 weeks





Location


Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District


Primary project sites are located within the Drinkwater Flat OHV Area and surrounding postfire landscapes.


Crew camping will be based at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable front country site.





Key Duties and Responsibilities


These are the essential functions of the role:


Leadership & Crew Management



Supervise, mentor, and support a crew of 3 Crew Members
Foster a positive, inclusive, and safety‑focused crew culture
Facilitate daily check-ins, debriefs, and conflict resolution
Lead training on tool use, safety, field protocols, and project expectations

Project Implementation



Coordinate daily with U.S. Forest Service staff
Install metal post‑and‑cable barriers according to partner specifications
Oversee digging post holes, mixing/pouring cement, setting posts, and tensioning cable
Manage material staging, tool inventory, and equipment maintenance
Ensure accurate GPS mapping and documentation of installed barriers

Logistics & Administration



Develop weekly schedules and work plans
Conduct vehicle inspections, grocery planning, and camp logistics
Maintain daily and weekly work logs, before/after photos, and partner reports
Uphold SCA risk management protocols, including twice daily check‑ins
Complete end‑of‑season reporting and project wrap up

Marginal Duties


These tasks support the role but are not essential functions:



Support budget tracking and purchasing
Coordinate with other SCA teams or partners as needed
Assist with emergency response or incident reporting
Drive crew vehicle and trailer

Required Qualifications



Must be 21 or older by the start date
Legal work authorization in the U.S.
Valid driver's license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
Experience leading teams in outdoor, conservation, or service settings
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
Perform manual labor for up to 10 hours/day, lift 40+ lbs, and hike 3–5 miles/day
Work in challenging outdoor conditions, including: High heat (90–105°F), Santa Ana winds, dust, cement exposure, and rocky soils
Live and work in a communal, multigendered environment
Commitment to SCA's safety, equity, and inclusion values

Preferred Qualifications



Previous SCA leadership experience or similar conservation leadership role
Experience with construction, fencing, trail work, or restoration projects
Familiarity with GPS mapping
Experience coordinating with agency partners
Wilderness First Responder or higher (WFR provided as part of training program)
Trailer towing experience

Hours


This crew follows a Monday–Thursday, 10‑hour/day schedule during the field season.


Pre‑season and postseason schedules vary based on planning, partner meetings, and de‑rig needs.





Living Accommodations


The crew will camp for the duration of the program, primarily at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable site. Amenities may include:



Restrooms
Potable water
Showers (availability varies)

Expect limited access to electricity and cell service.


SCA provides group gear (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.); leaders bring personal items (sleeping bag, pad, clothing, mess kit).


A crew vehicle and trailer are provided for transportation and storage.





Compensation



$850 weekly living allowance (leader rate)
$1,000 travel allowance (½ paid in first paycheck, ½ paid in last paycheck)
Meals provided during fieldwork
$1000 Retention Bonus (for eligible returning leaders)
$200 Uniform Credit (for eligible returning leaders)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information


A personal vehicle is not required for this position. Project Leaders are responsible for the SCA‑issued crew vehicle, including picking it up from the SCA program hub at the start of the season, ensuring it is properly maintained throughout the program, and returning it to the hub at the end of the season.


Leaders may bring a personal vehicle for off‑time use; however, doing so is not recommended, as the leader is expected to prioritize the safe operation, transport, and daily readiness of the SCA crew vehicle. SCA is not responsible for fuel, parking, maintenance, or security of personal vehicles.





Additional Benefits



Wilderness First Responder certification
Conservation Work Skills training
Defensive driver training and trailer training
Uniform package including daypack, work shirts, water bladder, and more
Group gear provided (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.)

Equal Opportunity Statement


The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCA is committed to a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect, and supports personal and professional growth for all participants.