Field Leader - Angeles National Forest Restoration Corps

Conservation Corps – 2026 Western Corps Angeles National Forest Restoration Team

Project Leader: Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District

 

Position Summary

Conservation Begins Here.

Are you ready to lead a high impact conservation project, mentor emerging conservationists, and work closely with U.S. Forest Service partners to protect sensitive postfire landscapes? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as the Project Leader for our Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team — a role that blends leadership, logistics, technical fieldwork, and meaningful ecological restoration.

You’ll guide a 4‑person crew through the installation of approximately 700 feet of metal post‑and‑cable OHV barriers, helping prevent illegal off‑highway vehicle (OHV) access and supporting long-term habitat recovery in one of the most heavily impacted regions of the Angeles National Forest.

 

Schedule

Position Dates: 8/17/2026 – 11/25/2026 - Total Term: 15 weeks

• Leader Preseason: 8/17/2026 – 9/6/2026
• Crew Member Training:
  • Crew Member Training: 9/14 – 9/17
  • Wilderness First Aid: 9/18 – 9/19
  • Conservation Work Skills: 9/20 - 9/24
• Field Season: 9/28/2026 – 11/19/2026 
• Crew Members Depart: 11/21/2026 
• Leader Postseason Wrap Up: 11/23/2026 – 11/25/2026

Location

Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District 

Primary project sites are located within the Drinkwater Flat OHV Area and surrounding postfire landscapes.

Crew camping will be based at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable front country site.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

These are the essential functions of the role:

Leadership & Crew Management

• Supervise, mentor, and support a crew of 3 Crew Members
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safety‑focused crew culture
• Facilitate daily check-ins, debriefs, and conflict resolution
• Lead training on tool use, safety, field protocols, and project expectations

Project Implementation

• Coordinate daily with U.S. Forest Service staff
• Install metal post‑and‑cable barriers according to partner specifications
• Oversee digging post holes, mixing/pouring cement, setting posts, and tensioning cable
• Manage material staging, tool inventory, and equipment maintenance
• Ensure accurate GPS mapping and documentation of installed barriers

Logistics & Administration

• Develop weekly schedules and work plans
• Conduct vehicle inspections, grocery planning, and camp logistics
• Maintain daily and weekly work logs, before/after photos, and partner reports
• Uphold SCA risk management protocols, including twice daily check‑ins
• Complete end‑of‑season reporting and project wrap up

Marginal Duties

These tasks support the role but are not essential functions:

• Support budget tracking and purchasing
• Coordinate with other SCA teams or partners as needed
• Assist with emergency response or incident reporting
• Drive crew vehicle and trailer

Required Qualifications

• Must be 21 or older by the start date
• Legal work authorization in the U.S.
• Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
• Experience leading teams in outdoor, conservation, or service settings
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Perform manual labor for up to 10 hours/day, lift 40+ lbs, and hike 3–5 miles/day