Overview
SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps – Project Leader: Saugus, MA
Conservation Begins Here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community spaces across the country.
Position Dates:
Program Start and End Dates: 5/26/2025 – 9/26/2025
Location: Saugus, Massachusetts
Primary Responsibilities:
The SCA Massachusetts Conservation Corps (MACC) Project Leaders play a crucial role in the success of the conservation program, working closely with the Program Coordinator and Manager to train, supervise, and support corps members completing technical trail projects and habitat restoration in their region of Massachusetts. SCA MACC crews use traditional trail skills, restoration techniques, carpentry skills, and physical labor to complete an array of projects. These projects take two to three weeks, while the crews serve 4, 10-hour workdays from Tuesday- Friday. The Field Leader will have some administrative duties on Mondays throughout the season.
Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance, rock stairs, carpentry, bridge construction, and invasive vegetation removal. The program works in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and AmeriCorps.
This position works in collaboration with the full-time MA Corps staff and is directly supervised and supported by the Program Coordinator.
Leader Benefits and Compensation:
Salary: $900 per week
Housing or housing stipend provided ($2,000/month)
Travel Stipend: $800 (1/2 paid on first paycheck, 1/2 paid on last)
Stipend for use of personal cell phone
Training & professional development opportunities
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where employees may grow personally and professionally.
Qualifications:
1–2 years supervising young adults, ideally outdoors
Strong communication, leadership, and work ethic
Self-motivated, team-oriented, able to work independently
Physically able to hike 5+ miles/day, lift 50+ lbs, and work 10-hour days in varied weather
Trail work experience and Wilderness First Aid/CPR preferred
At least 21 years old, legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed)
Able to pass abackground check
Required Skills:
-Supervise and mentor crew members, fostering teamwork, leadership, and skill development
-Provide technical training, support fieldwork, and ensure high-quality project outcomes
-Manage safety and risk according to SCA protocols and support daily logistics
-Communicate with agency partners to coordinate projects and represent SCA positively
-Oversee administrative tasks, budgeting, documentation, and communication with SCA staff
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.
