Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Field Leader- DC Trail Crew at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Student Conservation Association (SCA), Washington, District Of Columbia, United States, 20001
Trail Crew Program
This is a trail crew that will work with the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Primary tasks will seek to address short and long term trail maintenance with a focus on repairing stormwater damage and general wear and tear. Through this partnership, participants will gain valuable trail building skills and make a lasting impact on the environment and their community. Members will learn to utilize trail building techniques and tools while working in outdoor settings and performing strenuous physical labor. This project addresses deteriorated trail conditions on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail at Pimmit Run. The existing steppingstone low water crossing has been washed away from past flash flood events. The stream bank on the north side of the crossing has been scoured leading to the destruction of the lower part of an existing rock stairway. The upper part of this rock stair is deteriorated as well. Negotiating this steep approach and stream crossing in its current condition is difficult if not hazardous for trail users. The scope of this project is to restore the steppingstone low water crossing in its most recent location and to reconstruct the rock stairway leading down to the creek from the north (Fort Marcy side). Rocks will be gathered from the immediate surrounding area and set in place by hand and/or with hand tools. Some digging will be needed in order to set the rocks in place for the stairs. This will be located within the existing trail corridor. Work will also be taking place within the creek where rocks will be moved around. Those involved in the work should be skilled in the selection, moving and setting of rocks for trail structures. If the initial primary project is completed prior to 8-weeks then a second project replacing a timber staircase and timber retaining wall will be undertaken. September 29, 2025
December 19, 2025 Key Duties and Responsibilities
Crew Supervisor: Foster teamwork, guide crew dynamics, and manage field-based tasks to ensure safety and productivity. Advisor: Train crew members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and promote environmental stewardship values. Project Manager: Communicate with agency and park partners, oversee successful and timely project completion, and ensure a positive representation of the SCA. Program Administrator: Organize logistics, manage program budgets, complete necessary documentation, and maintain clear communication with SCA staff. Transportation: Upon completing SCA's MVR check and driver safety training, safely transport crew members to and from pick-up locations, worksites, and drop-off points within the DC metro area using an SCA rental van. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to mentor budding conservationists while contributing to meaningful environmental projects in both urban and park settings. Crew leaders should expect to complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, attending weekly staff check-in meetings, or reviewing member time logs, among other things. Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; 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 pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards; Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards; Housing is not provided, Leader must be locally available Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education preferred; Leaders will work in new outdoor environments, being excited and open to new experiences is strongly desired; Experience leading a team; Open to learning new skills, more about conservation, and environmental education 40 per week No housing; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview $875.00/weekly; 40-hour work weeks All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Defensive Driver Training Wilderness First Aid Training 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.
This is a trail crew that will work with the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Primary tasks will seek to address short and long term trail maintenance with a focus on repairing stormwater damage and general wear and tear. Through this partnership, participants will gain valuable trail building skills and make a lasting impact on the environment and their community. Members will learn to utilize trail building techniques and tools while working in outdoor settings and performing strenuous physical labor. This project addresses deteriorated trail conditions on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail at Pimmit Run. The existing steppingstone low water crossing has been washed away from past flash flood events. The stream bank on the north side of the crossing has been scoured leading to the destruction of the lower part of an existing rock stairway. The upper part of this rock stair is deteriorated as well. Negotiating this steep approach and stream crossing in its current condition is difficult if not hazardous for trail users. The scope of this project is to restore the steppingstone low water crossing in its most recent location and to reconstruct the rock stairway leading down to the creek from the north (Fort Marcy side). Rocks will be gathered from the immediate surrounding area and set in place by hand and/or with hand tools. Some digging will be needed in order to set the rocks in place for the stairs. This will be located within the existing trail corridor. Work will also be taking place within the creek where rocks will be moved around. Those involved in the work should be skilled in the selection, moving and setting of rocks for trail structures. If the initial primary project is completed prior to 8-weeks then a second project replacing a timber staircase and timber retaining wall will be undertaken. September 29, 2025
December 19, 2025 Key Duties and Responsibilities
Crew Supervisor: Foster teamwork, guide crew dynamics, and manage field-based tasks to ensure safety and productivity. Advisor: Train crew members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and promote environmental stewardship values. Project Manager: Communicate with agency and park partners, oversee successful and timely project completion, and ensure a positive representation of the SCA. Program Administrator: Organize logistics, manage program budgets, complete necessary documentation, and maintain clear communication with SCA staff. Transportation: Upon completing SCA's MVR check and driver safety training, safely transport crew members to and from pick-up locations, worksites, and drop-off points within the DC metro area using an SCA rental van. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to mentor budding conservationists while contributing to meaningful environmental projects in both urban and park settings. Crew leaders should expect to complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, attending weekly staff check-in meetings, or reviewing member time logs, among other things. Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; 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 pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards; Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards; Housing is not provided, Leader must be locally available Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education preferred; Leaders will work in new outdoor environments, being excited and open to new experiences is strongly desired; Experience leading a team; Open to learning new skills, more about conservation, and environmental education 40 per week No housing; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview $875.00/weekly; 40-hour work weeks All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Defensive Driver Training Wilderness First Aid Training 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.