Field Leader - 2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Ridgway Crew

POSITION SUMMARY

The Student Conservation Association, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking experienced, dedicated individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, hands-on skill development, and educational opportunities. Summer Crew Leaders will supervise, guide, and lead a team of high school students in completing conservation projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands. Throughout the season, leaders will ensure the safety of their crews, guide and supervise project work, facilitate team-building, maintain professional communication with staff and partners, and complete associated administrative and reporting duties related to the position. Project leaders work closely with SCA and DCNR staff to ensure a successful and meaningful season for all participants.

 

POSITION DETAILS

Location: Ridgway, PA

 

Position Dates 

• Leader Position: 6/10/26 - 8/11/26
  • Total paid days: 45 days (9 weeks)
• Mandatory Leader Training: 6/10/26 – 6/23/26  (Virtual and In-Person sessions)
  • Virtual Sessions (Zoom): 6/10/26 - 6/11/26; 6/23/26
  • In-Person Conservation Work Skills: 6/14 /26 - 6/21/26
    • Location - Training site: Laurelville Retreat Center, Mt. Pleasant, PA
    • Fully paid training with transportation, lodging, and all meals provided. Travel and overnight, on-site stay required at training site full-time from 6/14/26 – 6/21/26. Training details will be shared in advance.
• Leader Prep Week: 6/24/26 – 6/25/26 
• Members in the Field: 6/30/26 – 8/7/26
• Leader Season Debrief: 8/10/26 - 8/11/26
  • Travel and an overnight stay are required. Group lodging and meals provided.

Weekly Schedule 

Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 3:30 pm 

 

Compensation  

$19.38/hr (approx. $775/week pre-tax) paid biweekly.

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

 

Hours - 40 hr/week

*In the event of rare inclement and/or other severe weather, the crew may be called off for an unpaid day or day/s to ensure the safety of all participants until the threat passes; therefore, due to the nature of the work, 40 hours is not guaranteed.

 

Required Qualifications

• Age 21+ before the start of the position
• Must have housing in or near the program city and reliable transportation.
• Must have a current driver's License with a minimum of 3 years driving experience, and be able to pass SCA Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check  
• Must be available for the full duration of the program
• Must have experience working with youth or in outdoor settings
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification
• Must obtain and provide required clearances for working with minors in PA:
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Clearance  
• Must successfully complete SCA Leader Training 
• Must have the ability to model safe and professional behavior at all times 
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements in outdoor settings 

Living Accommodations and Transportation

No housing provided. Leaders must have/secure their own housing before the program start date. Crew vehicles are provided for daily team travel between the crew's centralized meeting location and all worksites. Leaders must have reliable transportation for travel between the meeting location and home.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a Crew Supervisor by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, ensuring and maintaining SCA safety standards, teaching and monitoring project tasks, proper tool use, and body me