Field Leader - Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Altoona Adult Crew

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking outgoing individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps as Project Leaders for the 2026 field season. Project Leaders train, supervise, and administer a crew of five young adults during the field season as they work on a conservation projects, career development, and environmental education. Project Leaders work closely with SCA and DCNR staff to ensure a successful and meaningful season for their crews.

Altoona crew project locations may include places such as:

Prince Gallitzin State Park

Greenwood Furnace State Park

Canoe Creek State Park

Trough Creek State Park

Shawnee State Park

Buchannon State Forest

Blue Knob State Park

Black Moshannon State Park

Rothrock State Forest

Other community partners and organizations

Dates

February 23rd, 2026 - December 4th, 2026

Leader Training- 2/23/26 - 3/6/26

Leader Prep Week- 3/9/26 - 3/14/26

Members in the Field: 3/16/26 - 11/25/26 Field Season Schedule: Crew hours are Monday-Wednesday 7:00am-5:00pm, Thursday 7:00am-4:30pm.

*Project Leaders may need to complete tasks outside of these hours

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 environment 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. Projects Leaders also coordinate professional development and environmental education opportunities throughout the season.

Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff. Marginal Duties

Coordinate overnight hitch logistics such as lodging and grocery shopping.

Support program planning through debriefs with SCA and agency partner staff.

Use industry standards to collect and record field data. Work Project May Include:

Facility maintenance projects including: painting, staining, light carpentry, plumbing, siding, other building rehabilitation and upkeep

Constructions projects such as: bridges, stairs, picnic tables, pavilions, and masonry

Trail maintenance and construction including: implementing water management techniques, brushing, blazing, reroutes

Habitat Restoration including: invasive species identification and treatments, herbicide applications

Tree Planting, and other general landscaping

Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance

Other work as assigned Required Qualifications

Minimum 1 year of leadership, teaching, or supervisory experience

Strong preference for experience working with youth or young adults ages 18-30 in a coaching or mentoring role.

Experience with conservation work skills or related skills- i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening.

Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/ or move 40 pounds or more

Strong communication and organizational skills

Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training

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 MVR that meets SCA standards Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No housing provided. Leader must have/secure their own housing prior to the program start date.

Compensation

$825/week (pre-tax) paid bi-weekly.

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

Additional Benefits

PTO

Paid Holidays

Optional Employee Sponsored Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement)

Cell Phone reimbursement ($45/month)

Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.

Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.

Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.

Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.

Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.

Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.

Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.

Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.

If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).

Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.

Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others. Working Conditions

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.

Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.;Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.

Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.

Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110 F or hotter.

Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20 F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.

Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.