Job Description

Position Summary

This program at Rock Creek Park offers crew members hands-on training in conservation skills and workforce development. In partnership with the SCA and National Park Service staff, participants will complete key conservation projects in various sections of Rock Creek Park, which might include Montrose Park, Piney Branch, Battery Kemble, U.S. Reservation 339, and more. Projects may include trail rehabilitation, erosion control, and invasive species removal. Daily safety briefings will prepare crew members to work confidently in outdoor settings. Benefits include compensation, professional development, green job exploration, SCA gear, and alumni support upon program completion, providing a strong foundation for careers in conservation.

Hosting Organization

Rock Creek Park

Location

Washington, DC

• This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

June 14, 2027 - August 20, 2027

Scheduled dates are subject to change.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Leader will support the Crew Leader to guide a team of six DC metro area high school students in a workforce development program focused on natural resource conservation and recreation accessibility. Crew projects include trail building, invasive plant removal, erosion control projects, and conservation-focused activities promoting stewardship, green jobs, and environmental justice. This program also provides environmental education and hands-on experience in topics like forest health, tree biology, citizen science, and natural resource preservation. The Assistant Leader will help manage field tasks, support members in conservation skills and environmental stewardship, and support the Field Leader in handling logistics and communication.

Marginal Duties

• Participate in environmental education learning activities
• Complete feedback surveys
• Participate in professional development sessions like career panels and SMART Goal planning

Required Qualifications

• Must be a college or graduate student enrolled in a U.S.-based institution
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• US Work Authorization
• Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more

Preferred Qualifications

• Outdoor work experience a plus; Experience working in a team
• Open to learning new skills, more about conservation, and environmental education

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

NO HOUSING PROVIDED - Assistant Leader must live locally to the DC metro area

Compensation

• $850 per week, biweekly pay schedule
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement stipend of $45/month.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Driving

Not required

Additional Benefits

Selected candidates may have the opportunity to be nominated for the Sara Shallenberger Brown Garden Club of America National Parks Conservation Scholarship.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.