Field Leader - 2025 Outdoor Corps - Lock Haven Youth Crew

Student Conservation Association; Lock Haven (Clinton County); On-site; USD 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading conservation organization as a Field Leader for the 2025 Outdoor Corps in Lock Haven, PA. You'll supervise high school students on conservation projects, ensuring their safety and guiding their development. This role offers hands-on experience, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in outdoor settings. Ideal candidates will have experience with youth, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Age 21+ before start.
• Experience with youth or outdoor settings.
• Valid driver’s license with 3+ years driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise crew and ensure safety.
• Teach project tasks and proper tool use.
• Coordinate with agency partners and manage budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Education

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

Join to apply for the Field Leader - 2025 Outdoor Corps - Lock Haven Youth Crew role at Student Conservation Association

The Student Conservation Association, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking experienced, dedicated individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, hands-on skill development, and educational opportunities. Summer Crew Leaders will supervise, guide, and lead a team of high school students in completing conservation projects on Pennsylvania's public lands. Throughout the season, leaders will ensure the safety of their crews, guide and supervise project work, facilitate team-building, maintain professional communication with staff and partners, and complete associated administrative and reporting duties. Project leaders work closely with SCA and DCNR staff to ensure a successful and meaningful season for their crews.

Position Details

• Location: Lock Haven, PA

Dates

• Leader Position: 6/8/25 - 8/12/25
• Leader Training: 6/8/25 -- 6/18/25 (travel and on-site stay required 6/8/25 - 6/13/25)
• Leader Prep Week: 6/23/25 -- 6/27/25
• Members in the Field: 6/30/25 -- 8/8/25
• Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 3:30pm (may require tasks outside these hours)

Crews meet daily at a centralized location; leaders transport teams via SCA vehicles. Some drives may be up to 1 hour. The position is field-based; efforts will be made to accommodate indoor work during inclement weather, but some days may be canceled due to extreme weather, and hours are not guaranteed.

Compensation

$19.38/hr ($775/week pre-tax), paid biweekly. All allowances are subject to applicable taxes.

Hours

40 hours/week

Living Accommodations and Transportation

No housing provided; leaders must secure their own housing. Crew vehicles are provided for transport to worksites; reliable transportation to the meeting point is required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise crew, facilitate teamwork, ensure safety, teach project tasks, proper tool use, and body mechanics
• Model professional behavior, promote a respectful environment, encourage development, and resolve conflicts
• Coordinate with agency partners, ensure project completion, uphold SCA standards
• Organize logistics, complete documentation, manage budgets, and communicate with staff and partners

Required Qualifications

• Age 21+ before start
• Full availability during the position
• Experience with youth or outdoor settings
• Completion of SCA Leader Training
• Valid driver’s license with 3+ years driving experience
• Pass SCA Motor Vehicle Record check
• Current CPR/First Aid certification
• PA clearances for working with youth
• Housing in or near the program city
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to model safe, professional behavior
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor outdoors in various weather conditions

Job Functions

Conservation projects include: trail maintenance, habitat restoration, facility maintenance, construction, fencing, and boundary line maintenance

Working Conditions

• Schedules and projects may change on short notice
• Interact positively with diverse groups
• Work in severe weather, including rain, heat, wind, and lightning
• Exposure to environmental hazards like poison ivy, ticks, wildlife

Physical Requirements

• Understand and communicate hazards and safety policies
• Stay alert for extended periods
• Manage medical conditions independently
• Wear personal protective equipment
• Cooperate with team tasks under difficult conditions
• Manage outdoor environmental exposure

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a fair and respectful work environment.