Roving Trail Crew

The Roving Trail Crew is a specialty young adult crew that consists of eight total members and two project leaders. At times the crew will function as one unit, and other times the crew will be subdivided to work on separate projects.

The Trail Crew will focus on completing trail improvements projects across Pennsylvania. An anticipated major project in 2026 is the restoration of the Glen Onoko Falls Trail system in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. Work at Glen Onoko could comprise at least 50% of the season and includes a large amount of technical stonework. The remaining projects will be spent at parks and forests throughout Pennsylvania.

Members complete a block of work schedule, also known as a hitch-based, of Wednesday-to-Wednesday (eight days on with six days off). All crew members and leaders are required to stay on site during hitches and will return home when not on hitch. Food and lodging are provided while on hitch.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ages 18-25 at the start of the program
• Able to conduct physically demanding work in all outdoor conditions. Including:
  • The ability to hike up to 4 miles per day.
  • Regularly lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Swing hand tools such as shovels, pick mattocks, and McLeods for 6+ hours per day.
• Able to live and work effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to team success. 
• Must be able to model safe and professional behavior at all times including wearing all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Must have a valid drivers license and reliable transportation to and from hitch locations
• Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
• Willing/able to complete overnight hitches spending 8 days away from home at a time.

Preferred Qualifications 

• An interest in conservation careers, trade skills, or a related field is highly encouraged.
• Experience in trail construction and maintenance
• Experience with hitch-based work

Living Accommodations 

• The Trail Crew will stay on-site at the parks/forests they are working in. Accommodations will vary depending on park availability. In some cases, cabins or other housing may be available. When park housing is not an option, the crew will be tent camping and set up base camp. Base camp and tent camping will be covered during crew member training. Due to the remote areas that we work in and limited housing options, crew members will be expected to share living spaces while on hitch. Individual rooms will be assigned when available but are not always guaranteed. All food is provided while on hitch.
•  No accommodations are provided during off days. Members must have a residence in PA to return to during these times.

Personal Vehicle Information

• Required for transport to and from hitch locations. Must have a clean driving record.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics.
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship.
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA. Projects Leaders also coordinate professional development and environmental education opportunities throughout the season.
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff.

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum 1 year of leadership, teaching, or supervisory experience
• Strong preference for experience working with youth or young adults ages 18-30.
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills ( i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening)
• 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
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training
• 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. Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards.