Field Leader- Fedcap School Year Crew

Student Conservation Association; Highlands (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Student Conservation Association is offering a year-long program with Fedcap students to perform stewardship work in Essex County Parks and deliver environmental education lessons. Crew leaders will supervise teams, mentor participants, and coordinate with park partners to ensure projects meet timelines.

The role emphasizes training in conservation skills, leadership development, and responsible program administration, with a commuting arrangement and compensation of $25.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Able to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, outdoors.
• Must have Wilderness First Aid Certification (WFA).
• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training or have attended in 2026.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must be able to legally work in the US.

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

Skills

Physical stamina

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Crew Leader training

Age 21+

US work eligibility

Job description

This program is an opportunity for Fedcap students to serve with SCA during the school year. The goals are to provide youth with an immersive experience performing stewardship tasks in Essex County Parks. Crew members will also be engaged in environmental education lessons and activities.

Schedule

9/28/2026 - 6/18/2027

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

Marginal Duties

• Leading Environmental Education Days at alternate locations.
• Communication with parents/guardians.
• Coordination with Fedcap school administrators.
• Maintaining a fleet leased SCA Program vehicle used throughout the program.
• Ensuring the vehicle is properly maintained and safely parked while not in use.

Required Qualifications

• 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
• Must have a Wilderness First Aid Certification (WFA)
• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training or have attended a crew leader training in 2026.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education a plus
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening

Living Accommodations

This is a commuting crew. Living accommodations are not provided.

Compensation

$25.00/hour

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.