Overview
Position Summary
If you’re someone who loves being a part of a team, is seeking a new challenge, is flexible, and has a passion for working outdoors, we invite you to apply to lead this crew! This SCA team will consist of four crew members and one crew leader, and will be taking on projects alongside the National Park Service (NPS) at two different sites in Missouri.
This team’s main tasks will change as they travel to two NPS locations. Projects may include, but are not limited to, installing paver blocks at Gateway Arch National Park; installing and repairing split-rail fencing at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; and assisting with recreational or trail projects as needed.
SCA will provide all housing, necessary support services, transportation, personal safety equipment, and other standard materials/supplies necessary to perform the work.
General start of season schedule:
Weeks one/two: Season starts with SCA Leader Training, which takes place alongside leaders from across the country, and may not take place at the same location where the team will be based. SCA provides a travel stipend for leaders to use to offset travel to/from training sites, and to/from work sites. Training may involve camping and working in a remote location.
Week three: The leader will travel to their worksite location to begin season prep.
Week four: The team arrives, and the leader will be joined by SCA staff for their team’s orientation and skills training. The leader may be asked to facilitate some training sessions with their crew.
Week five: The team may have additional hands-on skills training, or will begin projects in the field!
During the season, teams typically work 8-10 hour days (40 hours a week) with weekends off. Teams are encouraged to seek out personal and professional development opportunities during the course of their season.
SCA will provide a team vehicle throughout the season for travel from site to site and worksites each day. Members may bring their vehicles for use during off-time and weekends. Please note that personal vehicles and their transport from site to site are the responsibility of the team member.
Schedule
Training Start and End Date: August 4, 2025 – August 15, 2025
Program Start and End Date: August 16, 2025 – November 28, 2025
Location: St. Louis
Qualifications:
~Experience with youth, teaching, or environmental education
~Strong interpersonal and group management skills
~Outdoor skills preferred (e.g., trail work, restoration, chainsaw, carpentry)
~Safe use of tools and equipment
~Physically fit for outdoor labor (lift 40+ lbs, up to 10 hrs/day)
~Wilderness First Aid (or willing to obtain)
~Available for Crew Leader training: August 4–15, 2025
~21+ years old, legal U.S. work status
~Valid driver’s license (3+ years); meets SCA driving standards
Required Skills:
~Lead and manage crew dynamics and field tasks
~Train, mentor, and support member development and environmental stewardship
~Coordinate with park partners to complete projects on time and represent SCA
~Handle logistics, documentation, budgeting, and staff communication
~Collaborate with a 5-person team on NPS-priority projects
~Work variable hours in remote, challenging conditions
~Safely operate hand and power tools
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.
