SCA's Western Trail Corps Teams will be working with multiple state and federal partners throughout the US. Conservation work projects may focus on one or more of the following areas: trail construction and maintenance, invasive species removal, and fuels reduction for wildfire/wildlife management.. Project schedules, partner sites, and length of service will vary throughout the season depending on exact service location.
Program Overview:
Members of these teams should be prepared to camp at frontcountry and backcountry campsites. Field-life is rugged, and while on hitch, members should expect to live without electricity, running water, and cell phone reception; additionally, while on work hitches, this program is alcohol and substance free.
$ads={1}
Teams will consist of one Project Leader and four to five Corps Members. These teams of five or six will remain together for the entirety of the season. Team members should be flexible, willing to share space with their team, and invested in their personal and professional growth.
Strong member candidates will have a background in hands-on outdoor work with some education or experience in forestry, biology, environmental science, or similar natural resource field. In addition to having strong conservation work skills, we are looking for hardworking members who are responsible, excel in a team environment, and are emotionally mature.
Team placements for the Summer Season will be dispersed across the US at locations that may include CA, AZ, UT, NM, CO, WY, WA, OR etc. All team members will receive SCA and skills training at the start of the season.
Applications received by February 1, 2022 will be given priority hiring.
Program Dates – Training and project work length may vary depending on service location
- Track 1 Projects:
- Corps Member Training: 5/15/2022 – 5/28/2022
- Project Work Begins: 5/29/2022 (projects range between 8 to 20 weeks)
- Track 2 Projects:
- Corps Member Training: 6/26/2022 – 7/9/2022
- Project Work Begins: 7/10/2022 (projects range between 8 to 20 weeks)
Primary Responsibilities:
- Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productive teamwork;
- Work variable hours (long days and/or weekend), at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Use technical equipment including a chainsaw, power tools, and hand tools.
Strong candidates will have the following knowledge, skills, experience:
- Experience working in an outdoor setting;
- Coursework or degree in forestry, biology, environmental science, or similar natural resource field
- Experience operating various types of forestry equipment in a safe and efficient manner (chainsaws, power tools, two-way radio, etc.);
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
- Positive communication skills and ability to work with a team
Minimum Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license and motor vehicle record (MVR) that meets SCA standards required;
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age;
- Have ability to legally work in the US;
- Ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards;
- Ability to safely perform manual, physical labor for up to 8-10 hours per day, exposed to the elements and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more.
- Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine;
OR
Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements
based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and
instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of
selection.
Crew Camping/Housing
For the duration of the season, crews will be mobile and should expect to be traveling long distances in remote locations to get to their project sites. Additionally, many (if not all) field based work hitches will be tent-based camping. Individual team schedules will vary, but a typical work hitch can be as long as 10 days in length with 4 days off. Members will be expected to work together to ensure that all SCA equipment, vehicles, trailer, and tools are properly maintained and ready for use in the field. Corps Members will have access to an SCA vehicle for transportation to and from work projects.
For off time, crews will have various living situation. Some crews may continue tent camping at frontcountry sites with access to showers and other amenities. Other teams may have access to agency bunkhouses for off-time. Crews that have long distances to travel between sites occasionally may have hotel accommodations provided to assist with their travel to new site locations.
Personal vehicles are not required for this project, and members who bring a personal vehicle will be responsible for the security and parking of their own vehicle.
Team Member Benefits:
- $200 – $300/week living allowance* (depending on project scope and length)
- $650 travel allowance*
- Uniform items
- Camping/housing and field-based meals
- Wilderness medicine training
- AmeriCorps Education Award eligibility
- Depending on the length of the position team Members may receive Public Land Corps Hiring Authority eligibility (once position is completed, team members will be earn PLC certificates that can be used for Federal job applications for two years)
- All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. May vary depending on exact placement location.
The COVID-19 pandemic has required SCA to implement safety protocols and policies to help our teams manage the risks associated with the pandemic. Please review SCA's COVID-19 Management Plan below to learn more how our teams will be operating in the field.
SCA COVID-19 Management Plan
For Members who have accepted this position: Please click on the links below to review the steps you need to take to prepare for your position.
Preparing for your Corps Team Position
Onboarding for Your Corps Team Position
Trail Corps Team Gear List
Position ID: PO-00732692
Expected Dates: May 15, 2022 - September 24, 2022
Location:
Multiple Locations
, CA
US
Training Provided: Wilderness First Aid Conservation Work Skills May include - Chainsaw, LNT, 4x4 Driving, Cross-Cut Saw, Herbicide Application, Carpentry,
Professional Development Opportunities: Leadership Development
Outdoor Living
Team Working Environment
Opportunities to network with Agency Staff
Main Area of Focus: Backcountry/Trail work
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Not needed
Housing or Stipend Provided?
B. Partner will pay The SCA to provide housing for the member
Corps Members should expect to camp for much (if not the entirety) of the program.
Camping locations or Housing will be provided for the Team throughout the project depending on location and partner site.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes
