Field Leader - Adirondack Park Trail Restoration Corps

Position Summary 

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), recognized as America’s premier conservation service organization, is in search of a dedicated and experienced outdoor leader to manage and mentor the 24 members of the SCA Adirondack Corps. The Corps is located at the Whitney Headquarters in Long Lake, NY, adjacent to Little Tupper Lake.

As the Project Leader, you will be instrumental in the program’s success. You will collaborate with the Field Logistics Coordinator and Program Manager to train, supervise, and assist crew members in executing a variety of technical trail and conservation projects across the expansive 6-million-acre Adirondack Park.

Project Leaders will develop industry recognized skills that will prepare them for a career in conservation. They will learn how to work with a team, manage projects, and develop technical skills in trail construction, invasive species management, and other conservation practices. They will also gain experience in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These skills will be valuable in any career path, but especially in conservation.

 

Location 

Adirondacks - Long Lake, NY

 

Schedule  

 

SCA Program Dates: May 11, 2026 - October 9, 2026  

Corps Member Training Period: May 11, 2026 - June 5, 2026 (Roughly 5 weeks)  

Field Work: June 9, 2026 – October 1, 2026 (Hitch Schedule)  

Season Wrap-Up: October 2, 2026 - October 9, 2026

Hitch Schedule:

·      10 days on, 4 days off (Most often); 5 days on, 2 days off (Occasionally)

·      Camping remotely with team for “days on” and returning to cabins at HQ for “days off”

*Please note – this is a tentative schedule. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

 

Crew Manager:

· Lead and inspire your crew to achieve their best work, both individually and as a group.

· Make sure your crew is well-equipped and prepared for any challenge by facilitating team operations such as food planning, tools and equipment maintenance and preparation, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and Emergency Response Plan Preparation (ERP).

· Actively manage project/member risk to maintain a safe work environment.

· Travel to backcountry work locations to support projects and camp with teams.

 

Technical Advisor - Throughout Season:

· Supervise and assist the outdoor work skills training of corps members.

· Ensure that the quality and technique of the work performed is at top-notch standards, whether it’s trail improvement, carpentry, rigging, felling, stonework or rustic timber construction projects.

· Actively manage risk in accordance with SCA protocols to maintain a safe & professional work environment for program participants.

 

Partnership Representative:

· Manage professional relationships with agency partners.

· Work collaboratively with agency partners on program logistics.

· Ensure successful and timely completion of work projects.

 

Projects typically include:

· Timber bridge construction.

· New trail construction.

· Campsite maintenance.

· Invasive vegetation removal.

· Fire tower restoration.

· Stone structure construction.

· General trail maintenance.

 

Marginal Duties 

· Ensure an emotionally safe and inclusive group environment for members.

· Deescalate any interpersonal disputes as soon as possible.

· Communicate all vehicle, work, camp and personal actions/matters to coordinators in a timely manner.

 

Required Qualifications 

· Minimum of 21 years of age.

· Willing to use personal vehicle for travel to project site (gas reimbursement provided)

· Previous trail construction and maintenance experience

· Prior experience supervising young adults in an outdoor setting

· Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards (i.e. 3 years minimum driving experience)

· Willing to take the SCA Background Check

 

Preferred Qualifications 

· 1-3 years of work/life Conservation Crew experience.

· Current or ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder (or higher) / CPR certification

· Eligible to obtain chainsaw certification

 

Hours 

· 40+ per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Housing is provided during training season, off