Position Summary The SCA Alaska Corps – Petersburg RD is an 18 week Ameri Corps program focused on leadership development, completing trail work projects, and building a sense of community. As a member of a 5 person crew you will be led by one SCA Project Leader. The group will live and serve together for the duration of the program. Members should be prepared to camp together throughout the summer and face the challenges of weather, insects, remoteness, and wildlife typical of outdoor work in Alaska. This is an opportunity to learn the hard and soft skills required for work in the outdoor industry; folks will walk away with experience in conservation trail work, leadership, interpersonal skills, and outdoor living skills.
Members will assist trails and recreation staff in the Petersburg Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. Members may use power tools, chainsaws, and hand tools to build and maintain trails around the Petersburg area. Projects may include but are not limited to: brushing trails, removing hazard or downed trees, building new trail, building new trail structures clearing drainages, repairing trail tread, and performing trail assessments.
Schedule May 16, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure project, basecamp, community, and general safety standards are upheld; full engagement is expected in all service projects and community/team activities.
Uniform: Ameri Corps Member will be required to wear the Ameri Corps and SCA logo daily
Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency .
Play an active role in learning and executing the logistics of a project, cooking meals, understanding emergency response plans, critically thinking about risk and hazard mitigation, and completing all necessary paperwork related to member service activities.
Comply with all SCA, NPS/USFS/USFWS/BLM, and Ameri Corps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities.
Marginal Duties Carpentry, vegetation removal, facilities maintenance; chainsaw work, brusher work, any other assistance needed by agency partners, pre/post-work communal camp chores
Required Qualifications • Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required • Commitment to living and serving within an intensive crew environment; interpersonal skills and community living experience are pluses.
Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.
Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
Must be eligible to serve as an Ameri Corps Member:
o Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; o Be at least 18 years or older; o Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one; o Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;
Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 5-10 miles, physical work for 8-10 hours per day
Ability to pass SCA’s background check.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in an outdoor setting;
Positive communication skills and ability to work with a team;
Resiliency;
Ability to take initiative;
Ability to complete tasks independently and with others.
Hours 40 per week
Living Accommodations Members should expect a mix of camping and bunkhouse living for the duration of the season. Housing during work projects will be provided in the form of tents or communal bunkhouses depending on varying project locations throughout the season. SCA will supply the tents, and members will provide their own sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). Guidance on what to bring will be provided.
Compensation
$300/week living allowance;*
$1150 travel allowance;*
Ameri Corps Education Award eligibility upon completion of the full season ($2,817*);
• Food & Transportation provided for duration of program
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Additional Benefits Bear Safety Defensive Drive Training First Aid/CPR Wilderness First Aid Training Ameri Corps: Eligible/Required Chainsaw Training ATV/OHV Training
Equal Opportunity Statement SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.