Overview
Position Summary
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is seeking a dedicated outdoor leader to manage and mentor 24 members of the SCA Adirondack Corps, based at the Whitney Headquarters in Long Lake, NY. The Corps works on technical trail and conservation projects in the 6-million-acre Adirondack State Park.
As Project Leader, you’ll train, supervise, and guide the crew while managing various conservation efforts. This role develops critical skills in trail construction, invasive species management, leadership, and team building—valuable for any career in conservation.
Schedule
– Project Leader Season: April 9th – October 22, 2025
– Training Dates: April 12th – 29th, 2025
– Corps Member Training: May 12th – June 13th, 2025
– Field Work: June 16th – October 10th, 2025
– Season Wrap-Up: October 13th – 17th, 2025
– Hitch Schedule: 10 days on, 4 days off (most often)
Key Responsibilities
– Lead and motivate your crew to complete trail construction, carpentry, and conservation projects.
– Manage project logistics, including tool maintenance, food planning, and safety procedures.
– Oversee crew training in technical outdoor skills and ensure high-quality project outcomes.
– Foster leadership development and assess team members’ progress.
– Maintain partnerships with agency collaborators to ensure project success.
Compensation
– $1,000 weekly salary
– $300 travel stipend
– Meals provided during fieldwork
– Phone stipend: $64/month
– Group camping gear provided
– Housing provided at DEC’s Whitney Boat Launch (shared with staff)
Additional Benefits
– Free Wilderness First Responder and CPR Certification, Chainsaw Training, and other outdoor skills training
– Total value of trainings: $1,925
– Total room and board value: $2,676
**Equal Opportunity Statement**
SCA fosters an inclusive work environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are an equal-opportunity employer.
Qualifications:
- Ensure an emotionally safe and inclusive group environment for members.
- Deescalate any interpersonal disputes as soon as possible.
- Communicate all vehicle, work, camp, and personal actions/matters to coordinators promptly.
Required Skills:
- 21+ years old.
- Trail construction/maintenance experience required.
- Must live on-site.
- Experience supervising young adults outdoors.
- Valid driver’s license and 3+ years of driving experience.
- Criminal background check required.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Able to work independently and motivate a crew.
- Strong multitasking and problem-solving skills.
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.
