SCA New Hampshire Conservation Corps Project Leader

Conservation Begins Here. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country. 

Position Dates: 3/17/2025 – 11/7/2025 (Dates are slightly flexible)

Location: Bear Brook State Park – Allenstown, NH

Primary Responsibilities:

The SCA NH Conservation Corps (NHCC) Project Leaders play a crucial role in the success of the conservation program, working closely with the Trail & Program Operations Specialist to train, supervise, and support three field crews of corps members completing technical trail projects, habitat restoration, and visitor-use structure construction throughout New Hampshire. SCA NH Corps crews use traditional trail skills, restoration techniques, carpentry skills, and physical labor to complete an array of projects while camping on 11-day hitches. Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance, rock stairs, carpentry, bridge construction, impacted site restoration, invasive vegetation removal, and historic preservation. The program works in partnership with New Hampshire State Parks and AmeriCorps while serving partners throughout the state including the White Mountain National Forest. The Project Leader is largely a field-based position spending approximately 80% of time traveling to and assisting crews on projects during the conservation service season.

The two NH Corps Project Leaders work in collaboration with the Program Assistant who will also oversee and mentor crews in the field. These positions work in collaboration with the full-time NH Corps staff and are directly supervised and supported by the Trail and Program Operations Specialist.

Specifically, the Crew Leader will:

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics.
• Work with NHCC staff to provide field-based supervision and leadership support to three young adult crews.
• Manage conservation projects, work outcomes, and crew dynamics.
• Facilitate team operations - management of tools & equipment, vehicles, worksite, & basecamp.
• Actively manage project risk - maintain a safe work environment adhering to SCA policies.
• Regular travel to work locations to support projects and camp with crews.
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship.
• Supervise and assist with work skills training for corps members.
• Manage the quality & technique of project outcomes.
• Promote member leadership development and evaluate their success & potential.
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects while upholding a positive representation of SCA.
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff.

Leader Qualifications:

• 1-2 years prior experience in supervising young adults in an outdoor setting.
•  Previous trail construction experience and knowledge required.
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements
• Occasionally lift and/or move 60 pounds or more.
• Ability to camp and hike for up to 11 days at a time.
• Capable of accessing remote trail work locations traveling over rough, steep, and rocky terrain.
• Experience/certifications with rigging/Griphoist preferred. Ability to certify during the position.
• Experience/certification with chainsaw required – ability to recertify during the position.
• Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification a plus—ability to recert through program.
• Strong communication, leadership skills, and strong work ethic are required.
• Self-starter, ability to work independently and as part of a team.  
• Have a working knowledge of safely operating power and hand tools. 
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards.
• Ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards.
• Must have personal vehicle, and mileage reimbursement available for work-related travel.

Leader Benefits and Compensation:

• Salary: $800 per week
• Housing & utilities provided – private rustic cabin with wood stove. Wi-fi access, garden space, short walk to program lodge with all amenities. 
• Food and meals provided (7 days a week), full access to a commercial kitchen.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance are available.
• Stipend for use of personal cell phone
• Paid time off
• NH State Parks day-use pass
• Training & professional development opportunities. Opportunity to recertify or attend select trainings including Wilderness First Responder, Game of Logging or USFS Chainsaw Training, Rigging Training, Carpentry Training, Leave No Trace Trainer, and more.

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the SCA.