Overview

Conservation Begins Here.
Are you ready to lead and explore iconic landscapes in the Western U.S.? Do you want to make a tangible difference in our natural spaces and communities? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as a Field Leader for our 2025 Summer Modoc National Forest Trail Team and embark on a journey that blends purpose with adventure.

Schedule
April 7, 2025 – August 23, 2025
Project Leader Training: April 7, 2025 – April 24, 2025
Summer Season: April 24, 2025 – August 23, 2025

Location: Alturas, CA

Benefits

Pay: $800/week
Travel stipend: $1,000 (split into two payments: half with your first paycheck, half with your last paycheck)
Phone stipend: $45/month
Meals: Provided during fieldwork
Gear: Group camping gear provided (tents, stoves, cooking supplies)
You’ll also receive:

Wilderness First Responder Training (completion of this certification is required for the position)
Conservation trail work skills training
Defensive driver training
Trailer driving training

Participants will camp in frontcountry or backcountry conditions, sharing community chores like meal prep and dishwashing. SCA provides group gear, while members bring personal items, and leaders receive a vehicle, trailer, and field budget for transportation and supplies.

Work Schedule
In general, leaders should expect to work on their project for 80 hours within two weeks. This is subject to change based on programmatic and field-based needs. Different projects will require different schedules. Some crews work 8 10-hour workdays with 6 days off, others may work 4 10-hour days with 3 days off. Check-ins with members or managing incidents may happen at any time during the season.

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the SCA.

Tagged as: Trail Supervisor, Crew, and Leaders

Qualifications:

As a Field Leader:
Lead teamwork, manage basecamp, and ensure member wellbeing.
Train and mentor members in conservation skills and stewardship.
Oversee projects, communicate with partners, and represent SCA.
Handle logistics, documentation, and crew budgets.

Required Skills:

Applicants must be 21+, eligible to work in the U.S. and have a valid driver’s license (3+ years) with a clean record. Outdoor leadership, camping, and backcountry skills are required. Candidates must attend training (4/7/2025–4/24/2025), perform physical labor, lift 40+ pounds, and obtain Wilderness First Responder Certification.

Preferred Skills:

Current Wilderness First Responder Certification;
Experience with trail work, habitat restoration, or conservation projects;
Chainsaw or Crosscut Certification (Bonus points for B-Faller and B-Bucking certifications!);
Trailer Driving Experience is a plus;

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.

Application Instructions

Please apply here: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001094650500?keyword=1193