Overview
The SCA Alaska Trail Corps Project Leader is a 20-week position focused on mentorship, completing trail work projects, and building a sense of community. You will lead a 4-5-person crew as a trained SCA Project Leader. The group will live and serve together for the duration of the program. 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 trail work, leadership, interpersonal skills, budgeting, and outdoor living skills.
Schedule: April 13, 2025 – August 30, 2025
Location: Anchorage, AK
Key Duties and Responsibilities
SCA Alaska Trail Corps teams consist of 3-4 young adult members and one leader and are placed on one or more projects distributed widely throughout the state. 2025 projects will take place in Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell Island, the White Mountains/Steese Hwy, Chugach State Park, and potentially several other locations. Specific projects may include: creating/maintaining trail tread; cutting/removing brush from the trail corridor; installing permanent features such as, puncheons or boardwalks; improving access to recreation areas; and maintaining walkways for portages.Each team will camp for the duration of the program and eat meals together. 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.
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 project site location. 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 duration of program
Cell phone reimbursement- $40/month;
*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local tax
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Wilderness First Responder Training
Chainsaw or Cross-Cut Saw training (depending on project location)
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.
Marginal Duties
Potential for chainsaw, cross-cut saw, invasive plant removal, facilities maintenance, brushing, any other assistance needed by agency partners
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:
This SCA position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority for participants aged 18-30 or veterans up to 35. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Hours served count toward PLC hiring authority.
USFS Thinking Sawyer B level Chainsaw Certification; WFR or WEMT; Leave No Trace Trainer; • Experience working and/ or living in Alaska preferred but not required; Alaska Residents preferred but no 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.
