Field Leader - Rock Creek Young Adult Crew

Position Summary 

The 2026 Rock Creek Young Adult Crew, composed of 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, and 8 Members, will conduct hands-on service work in a variety of locations throughout Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC to improve trail quality and visitor experience. Projects may include installing and repairing trail structures, maintaining trail integrity through corridor clearing, installing and repairing signage, and planting vegetation in selected areas.

 

Work will be conducted in a variety of areas, which may include Fort Slocum, Battery Kemble, and Reservation 339. This project is critical to helping preserve Washington, DC’s tree canopy and stormwater capturing vegetation while improving trail conditions for existing formalized trails.

 

Daily safety briefings will prepare crew members to work confidently in outdoor settings. Benefits include compensation, professional development, green job exploration, SCA gear, and alumni support upon program completion, providing a strong foundation for careers in conservation.

 

Location 

Washington, DC

 

Schedule 

Training Dates: April 6, 2026 – April 17, 2026* 

Position Dates: May 11, 2026 – August 3, 2026 

Training dates are subject to change and will be confirmed upon offer letter. 

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Crew Supervisor: Foster teamwork, guide crew dynamics, and manage field-based tasks to ensure safety and productivity.; Advisor: Train crew members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and promote environmental stewardship values.; Project Manager: Communicate with agency and park partners, oversee successful and timely project completion, and ensure a positive representation of the SCA.; Program Administrator: Organize logistics, manage program budgets, complete necessary documentation, and maintain clear communication with SCA staff.; Driver: Upon completing SCA’s MVR check, SCA safety training, and field test, safely transport crew members to various worksite locations using an SCA work vehicle; This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to mentor budding conservationists while contributing to meaningful environmental projects in both urban and park settings.

 

Marginal Duties 

Crew leaders should expect to complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, attending weekly staff check-in meetings, or reviewing member time logs, among other things.

 

Required Qualifications 

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age; Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards; Ability to attend and complete 2-week overnight Leader Training with lodging, meals, and time paid by SCA during first 2 weeks of program; Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience working outdoors; experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, leading, or environmental education; Experience working in a team; open to learning new skills; communication; experience with project work such as trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, or similar a plus.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

No housing provided; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview

 

Compensation  

$900/week, paid biweekly;

$45/month cell phone stipend

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

 

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 lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.