Conservation Corps – NPF Historic Trail Corps Team Member

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Conservation Corps – NPF Historic Trail Corps Team Member in Xenia, OH, to work with the National Park Service at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. Responsibilities include trail improvement, invasive species removal, and landscaping. The position runs from August 25 to November 15, 2025, involves physical labor in various outdoor conditions, and requires teamwork and community living.
Conservation Begins Here

NPF Historic Trail Corps Team Member

Position Summary

Join a team of four working alongside the National Park Service at the historic Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument! This NPS site preserves and interprets the history and legacies of Brigadier General Charles Young and the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. Army.

This team’s projects may include, but are not limited to, installing and improving trails through the historic landscape; removing invasive species on site; landscaping around Charles Young’s house; and other tasks defined by our NPS partners. Teams are also encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities throughout their season.

SCA will provide all housing, necessary support services, crew leadership, transportation, personal safety equipment, and other standard materials/supplies necessary to perform the work. Program starts with SCA Orientation, first aid training, and basic hands-on skills training. Training may take place at a separate location alongside other SCA teams.

During the season, teams typically work 8-10 hour days (40 hours a week) with weekends off. Teams are encouraged to seek out personal and professional development opportunities during the course of their season. SCA will provide a team vehicle throughout the season for travel from site to site and to worksites each day.

Schedule

August 25, 2025 – November 15, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with a team of three others to complete priority projects determined by NPS partner staff;
• Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productive teamwork;
• Work variable hours, possible long days and weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances;
• Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools.

Required Qualifications
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Have ability to legally work in the US
• Meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and independently travel 2 miles over varied terrain while carrying a 40-pound pack without assistance
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor in a variety of outdoor conditions for up to 8-10 hours per day
• Interest in serving alongside and supporting others on a team
• Willingness to live alongside a team and participate in community chores and meal preparation
• Willingness to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and inventories
• With training, ability to use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned work projects

This SCA position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger, will be eligible to earn hours towards Public Land Corps certificates. 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.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

This crew will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program. The team will be provided with shared housing throughout the season; team members should expect to share rooms and common spaces (kitchen, bathrooms). Members should also expect to participate in communal living practices such as cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and sharing chores at the team house.

Compensation
• $600/week living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
• One-time travel allowance ($650)
• Meals during work days
• SCA uniform package
• Housing
• SCA member orientation, first aid training, hands-on skills trainings
• Potential eligibility for $1,824 AmeriCorps Education Award**
• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
• *This position may be eligible for AmeriCorps enrollment. However, SCA has not yet received confirmation of a grant award for this program. If funding is awarded, you may qualify for an AmeriCorps Education Award. If not, you will serve in a non-AmeriCorps role with the same living allowance and benefits. If selected, you will be updated on AmeriCorps funding status before your start date.

Personal Vehicle Information

Members may bring their personal vehicles for use during off-time and weekends. Please note that personal vehicles, and their transport from site to site, are the responsibility of the team member.

Additional Benefits
• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

The 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 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.