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-days, and during break.
· Our housing is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) at the Whitney boat Launch on Tupper Lake.
· There are 3 houses for members. 6-8 members will share a house with a full kitchen, communal living space, and garage. Members will have a roommate.
· DEC and SCA staff also live in housing facilities at Whitney.
Members will be camping for 5 days or 10 days at a time throughout the season.
· Members typically have a tentmate while camping.
The program operates out of the William C. Whitney headquarters.
· It is at least a 20 min/20-mile drive to nearest town of Tupper Lake (very small town)
· Whitney has limited cell service.
· There is a communal conference room, kitchen, limited Wi-Fi, and laundry (washer only) within HQ.
· Leaders will have their own room in provided shared housing with SCA Staff.
Compensation
· $1000 weekly salary
· $300 travel stipend
· Meals: Provided during fieldwork
· Phone stipend: $64/month
· Gear: Group camping gear provided (tents, stoves, cooking supplies)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Additional Benefits
All training costs are included in the program:
· Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR Certification
· Developing Thinking Sawyer Certification
· Rigging and Grip hoist Use for Trail Work
· ACA Canoe Training
· Comprehensive Trail Construction Skills including Native Timber, Stonework and New Trail Design
· Back Country Living Skills
· Bear Safety
· Crew Management and Leadership
· Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training
· Defensive Driver Training
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
