Overview
Position Summary
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), recognized as America’s premier conservation service organization, is in search of a dedicated and experienced outdoor leader to manage and mentor the 24 members of the SCA Adirondack Corps. The Corps is located at the Whitney Headquarters in Long Lake, NY, adjacent to Little Tupper Lake.
As the Project Leader, you will be instrumental in the program’s success. You will collaborate with the Field Logistics Coordinator and Program Manager to train, supervise, and assist crew members in executing a variety of technical trail and conservation projects across the expansive 6-million-acre Adirondack State Park.
Project Leaders will develop industry-recognized skills that will prepare them for a career in conservation. They will learn how to work with a team, manage projects, and develop technical skills in trail construction, invasive species management, and other conservation practices. They will also gain experience in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These skills will be valuable in any career path, but especially in conservation.
Schedule
-Project Leader Season Dates: June 2nd, 2025 – October 22nd, 2025
-Field Work: June 16th, 2025 – October 10th, 2025 (Hitch Schedule) *
-Season Wrap-Up: October 13th, 2025 – October 17th, 2025 *
Hitch Schedule:
-10 days on, 4 days off (Most often); 5 days on, 2 days off (Occasionally)
-Camping remotely with the team for “days on” and returning to cabins at HQ for “days off”
*Please note – this is a tentative schedule. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same.
Location: Long Lake, NY
Hours: 40+ hours/week
Housing: Shared housing provided at Whitney HQ (Tupper Lake) during training, off-days, and breaks. Field camping for 5–10 days; tentmates assigned. Limited cell service and Wi-Fi.
Compensation:
*$1,000/week
*$300 travel stipend
*$64/month phone stipend
*Meals during fieldwork
*Group camping gear included
*Taxable allowances
Training & Benefits:
*Certifications: WFR, CPR, chainsaw, rigging, LNT, canoe
*Skills: trail building, leadership, DEI, risk management
Total training value: $1,925
Room & board value: $2,676
Equal Opportunity:
SCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse, respectful workplace.
Qualifications:
Key Responsibilities:
*Lead and support a field crew in remote settings
*Manage logistics, safety, and project execution
*Train members in outdoor skills and work quality
*Coordinate with partners to meet project goals
*Foster a safe, inclusive team environment
Required Skills:
*Must be 21+ with a valid driver’s license and a clean MVR (3+ years driving).
*Trail construction/maintenance experience required.
*Experience supervising young adults outdoors.
*Able to live on-site and work independently.
*Strong team, communication, and problem-solving skills.
*Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage admin tasks.
*Background check required.
Preferred Skills:
*1-3 years of work/life Conservation Crew experience.
*Interpersonal Social Skills
*Current or ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder or higher/ CPR certification
*Ability to obtain chainsaw certification.
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.
