Conservation Corps - Summer 2026 Western Corps Teams - Senior Crew Member

Senior Crew Member: 2026 Summer Western Trail Corps 

Program Dates: 5/26/26 - 08/15/26 

Training Dates: 5/26/26 - 06/16/26 

Field Season: 6/17/26 - 8/15/26 

Conservation Begins Here.  
Are you ready to grow your leadership skills and explore iconic landscapes in the Western U.S.?   Do you want to make a tangible difference in our natural spaces while learning skills to kickstart your conservation career? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as a Senior Member for our Western Trail Corps and embark on a journey that blends purpose with adventure. 

This isn’t your average 9-to-5 job. You’ll be part of a 4-6 person crew working on trail maintenance projects that promote safe recreational experiences on public lands. Projects may include clearing trail corridor, logging out trails with crosscut saws, rock work, and maintaining tread and drainage features. Senior members will work under the guidance of a Field Leader to support the logistical and community needs of your crew. 

Senior members will be assigned to their project sites after they are accepted into SCA Western Corps. Project sites in summer 2026 may include National Forests in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, or Colorado.  Previous project sites have included the Sierra National Forest, Inyo National Forest, and Sequoia National Forest. Crews will train, live and work together throughout the season. Now is the perfect opportunity to dedicate your time and energy to a meaningful project that prepares you for a future in the conservation world. 

What We’re Looking For 

This position is designed to give the senior member hands-on leadership experience by supporting conservation crew management duties. Use what you learn from this position to apply for crew lead positions in the future. Work will involve physical exertion and be performed outdoors in varying weather conditions. SCA is looking for candidates open to new experiences, willingness to perform hard physical labor, and enthusiasm for sharing space with others. 

Senior Members of trail crews wear many hats - worksite manager, reporter, community organizer and cheerleader are just a few. We are looking for candidates with applicable experience that can grow under the guidance of their field leader and program staff. Some candidates will have a strong foundation in living and experience working outdoors. Others may excel in fostering team dynamics, navigating interpersonal relationships, or creating a strong sense of community. SCA