ASLI Field Leader - 2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Pittsburgh Crew

POSITION SUMMARY

The Student Conservation Association, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), and CorpsTHAT, is seeking high school-aged students to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, hands-on skill development, and educational opportunities. Crew members will join a team of peers to complete conservation and infrastructure projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands. Throughout the season, members will also participate in education and training activities related to resource management, environmental education, and recreation. 

 

POSITION DETAILS

Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Western PA School for the Deaf (WPSD)

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 

• Crew will have the option to engage in recreational weekend enrichment activites with local Deaf educators and leaders.

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

• Must be Deaf or hard of hearing
• Must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL)
• 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

Residential Crew Model - crew lodging provided by WPSD for full program session. Crew will remain on-site, overnight supervision and local staff support, and access to essential amenities. All meals provided by program. Crew vehicles are provided for daily team travel between the crew's centralized meeting location and all worksites. Leaders are responsible securing own transportation to Pittsburgh for program start and departure home at the close of the program.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities