Overview
The SCA Alaska Restoration Corps Project Leader is a 20-week position focused on conservation skills development, completing restoration work projects, and building a sense of community. This team will consist of 3 young adult members and one leader. They will be working with the US Forest Service in Hope, AK to restore the natural structure and function of Resurrection Creek, which was straightened during placer mining operations in the early 20th century. The restoration includes rebuilding the degraded stream channel and floodplains, constructing pools, side channels, and ponds, installing logs and root-wads, and re-vegetating stream banks and riparian areas.
Schedule: April 13, 2025 – August 30, 2025
Location: Hope, AK
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
You will lead a 3-person crew as a trained SCA Project Leader. The group will camp and work together for the duration of the program, including on days off. Leaders should be prepared to camp throughout the summer and face the challenges of weather, insects, remoteness, and wildlife typical of outdoor work in Alaska. This is an opportunity to learn the hard and soft skills required for work in the outdoor industry; folks will walk away with experience in conservation-restoration work, leadership, interpersonal skills, budgeting, and outdoor living skills.During training, leaders will hone their outdoor living skills, trail work skills, and teamwork skills, which they will be expected to pass on to their members during the season. The team will work with each other to resolve conflict and build relationships in remote areas, where they may go hours or days with minimal contact with people outside of the crew, depending on the project and work location.
Hours
40-50 per week
Living Accommodations
Leaders should expect to camp for the entire duration of the season. Housing during work projects will be provided in the form of tents or communal bunkhouses, depending on the site location and depending on availability. SCA will supply the tents, and members will provide their own sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). Guidance on what to bring will be provided.
Compensation
$800-900 DOE weekly salary *
$1300 travel stipend *
Food & Transportation provided for the duration of the program
Cell phone reimbursement- $40/month
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Wilderness First Responder Training
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.
Qualifications:
Crew Leaders will supervise teams, manage projects, and ensure efficient operations. They’ll train members, mentor development, and promote environmental stewardship. Additionally, they’ll handle logistics, budgets, and work with SCA staff to implement the program.
Required Skills:
Applicants must have experience working with young adults (18-25) and conservation skills such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, or carpentry. They must be physically capable of performing manual labor in challenging outdoor conditions and have or obtain a Wilderness First Responder certification by 4/12/25. Additional requirements include being 21+, legally authorized to work in the U.S., holding a valid driver’s license for 3+ years, and meeting SCA background check standards.
Preferred Skills:
Degree in ecology, habitat restoration, or relevant experience, WFR or WEMT; Leave No Trace Trainer; Experience working and/ or living in Alaska preferred but not required; Alaska Resident preferred but not required
About Student Conservation Association
Today, SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. Members participate in a variety of capacities and contexts. Beyond national parks, members work on marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in our nation’s urban centers. Members do land management, habitat restoration, trail building, disaster rehabilitation or prevention work, environmental education, public outreach, and more.
