Individual Placement - Maintenance & Facility Management

Position Summary 

The SCA Refuge Maintenance Specialist will assist the Refuge with a variety of projects that support daily refuge operations, visitor access, habitat stewardship, and facility maintenance while providing the candidate with valuable career experience in public lands management. Activities include but are not limited to: performing trail and boardwalk maintenance, assisting with groundskeeping and landscaping projects, supporting facility repairs and upkeep, operating hand and power tools safely, maintaining equipment and storage areas, assisting with habitat restoration projects, and supporting refuge events and operations. The candidate will gain hands-on experience in maintaining public use facilities, supporting conservation infrastructure, and assisting Refuge staff with projects that improve visitor experiences and protect natural resources. These experiential learning opportunities will be hands-on, engaging, and will utilize resources throughout the Refuge. The duties of this position will support Refuge goals through maintaining facilities, improving visitor access, supporting habitat management efforts, and assisting with operational needs across the Refuge.

 

Hosting Organization

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

 

Location 

Philadelphia, PA

 

Schedule 

August 24, 2026 - May 28, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Performing trail, boardwalk, and fence maintenance; Assisting with groundskeeping including mowing, trimming, landscaping, and invasive plant removal; Supporting maintenance and repair of Refuge facilities, buildings, kiosks, signs, and public use areas; Operating and maintaining hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment safely; Assisting with habitat restoration projects including planting native vegetation and maintaining pollinator or wetland areas; Supporting daily Refuge operations and preparation for public programs and special events; Maintaining equipment storage areas and workspaces; Assisting with trash removal, custodial tasks, and upkeep of visitor access areas; Working collaboratively with Refuge staff, volunteers, and community partners on maintenance and stewardship projects

 

Marginal Duties 

Assisting with biology and visitor services teams including habitat restoration and public events;

Supporting volunteer workdays;

Assisting with offsite community stewardship projects;

Attending staff meetings and trainings; other duties as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications 

drivers license required; experience working outdoors and performing physical labor; ability to safely lift and carry equipment and materials; ability to work in varying weather conditions; resume should be submitted. This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience with maintenance, landscaping, trail work, carpentry, construction, groundskeeping, or equipment operation; familiarity with hand and power tools; experience working outdoors in team settings; interest in conservation, public lands, or facilities management.

 

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

 

General Physical Requirements

Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. 

Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program. 

Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others. 

Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time. 

Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the suppor