Conservation Corps - Buckeye Trail Association Corps Team Senior Member

Position Summary 

The 2026 Buckeye Trail Team will consist of one leader and three team members who will be working on constructing new trail along the Buckeye Trail. The trail will be built to Forest Service standards and will help in the important work of creating a 100-mile backpacking network in Perry, Athens, and Morgan County, Ohio. This project aims to increase tourism in southeast Ohio by highlighting the natural beauty and history of the region.

 

The Buckeye Trail Team will introduce crewmembers to trail building. The team will begin their program with a field-based training program close to the project site. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members will learn and practice hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful trail project. After training, the Buckeye Trail team will work on a variety of projects focused on trail building to meet the Buckeye Trail’s ambitious construction plan.

 

Trail projects involve working with hand tools and occasionally small equipment. Fieldwork is physically and mentally demanding. Crew members can expect to camp part of the season, until they move to indoor housing with the change in season. Campsites may have limited amenities or cell service. The team will have access to one SCA vehicle for transportation to/from the worksite.

 

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. 

 

Senior Members of trail crews wear many hats - worksite manager, reporter, community organizer and cheerleader are just a few. Some Senior Members 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 wants to identify your individual strengths for this role and help you develop additional necessary skills. Our senior members must have an enthusiasm to learn in challenging conditions, actively contribute to their community, and be able to adapt to dynamic work environments. 

 

Success hinges on understanding and addressing both personal and group needs. Senior members will need to establish effective communication strategies with their team and work alongside their Crew Leader to accomplish project and team goals. Senior members must be fully invested in supporting their crew, through everything from community meetings to individual pep talks. Expect to offer support even outside of project hours.    

 

Hosting Organization

Buckeye Trail Association

 

Location 

Shawnee, OH

 

Schedule 

August 17, 2026 - November 20, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

- The Senior Member will work under the guidance of a Team Leader to support the logistical and community needs of the crew;

-Lead your crew through daily tasks like meal shopping, basecamp chores, vehicle inspections, tool counts, and logistical tasks;

-Promote community development by facilitating teambuilding activities;

-Interface with the general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and partner agency;

-Maintain an active, solution-focused mindset to achieve crew objectives;

-Adhere and promote standards set through SCA's policies;

-Work collaboratively with a team of three others to complete priority projects determined by partner staff;

- Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productive teamwork;

- Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances;

- Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools.

- Take part in trail work, such as clear trail corridor with hand tools and small equipment; install grade dips and drainage structures; rehab and reestablish the tread of a trail; build trail structures (i.e. retaining walls, check steps, staircases, fences, or barriers)

 

Marginal Duties 

-Support technical and outdoors skill development of crew members.

-Contribute to travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support.

-Non-routine tool and gear maintenance.

 

Hours 

40 hours per week

 

Living Accommodations 

This crew will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth i