The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is hiring Crew Members for the 2026 Summer Western Trail Corps. You’ll work on essential trail maintenance projects across rugged National Forest landscapes in the Western US, living and working communally as part of a 4-6 person crew for a season of hands-on conservation.
What You'll Do
- Complete all assigned conservation project and community tasks.
- Engage fully in work projects and crew activities, on and off duty.
- Assist the crew with meal shopping, camp chores, basecamp maintenance, and vehicle inspections.
- Interface positively with the general public and partner organizations.
- Maintain an active, solution-focused mindset to achieve crew objectives.
- Adhere to all standards set through SCA’s policies.
What We're Looking For
- Must be 18 or older by the position start date with legal US work status.
- Ability to pass SCA’s background check and complete a Health Screening Questionnaire.
- Availability to attend Crew Member Training from 5/26/26 - 06/16/26.
- Commitment to uphold all project, community, and safety standards.
- Strong commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem-solving.
- Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions including extreme heat, cold, and precipitation.
- Capable of performing manual labor for up to 10 hours per day, hiking 5+ miles daily, and occasionally lifting 40 pounds or more.
- Comfort living and working in a multi-gendered, multi-cultural communal environment.
Nice to Have
- Camping and/or backpacking experience.
- Experience using hand tools.
- Strong interpersonal skills and community living experience.
- For driver eligibility: over 21 years old, a valid driver’s license for 3+ years, a Motor Vehicle Record meeting SCA standards, and completion of SCA driver training.
Team & Environment
You’ll be part of a 4-6 person crew that trains, lives, and works together throughout the season in a substance-free program.
Benefits & Compensation
- A $650 one-time round-trip travel allowance (paid in first paycheck).
- A weekly living allowance of $300 - $450.
- Meals provided during fieldwork.
- Group camping gear, like tents, stoves, and filters, provided.
- Uniform package including daypack, work shirts, and water bladder.
- Conservation trail work skills training.
- Defensive driver training and trailer driving training, if eligible.
Work Mode
This is a full-time, onsite position based in National Forests in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, or Colorado.
The Student Conservation Association is an equal opportunity employer.
