Job Description

The 2026 Buckeye Trail Team will consist of one leader and three team members who will be working on constructing new trail along the Buckeye Trail. The trail will be built to Forest Service standards and will help in the important work of creating a 100-mile backpacking network in Perry, Athens, and Morgan County, Ohio. This project aims to increase tourism in southeast Ohio by highlighting the natural beauty and history of the region.

The Buckeye Trail Team will introduce crewmembers to trail building. The team will begin their program with a field-based training program close to the project site. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members will learn and practice hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful trail project. After training, the Buckeye Trail team will work on a variety of projects focused on trail building to meet the Buckeye Trail’s ambitious construction plan.

Trail projects involve working with hand tools and occasionally small equipment. Fieldwork is physically and mentally demanding. Crew members can expect to camp part of the season, until they move to indoor housing with the change in season. Campsites may have limited amenities or cell service. The team will have access to one SCA vehicle for transportation to/from the worksite.

Hosting Organization

Buckeye Trail Association

Location

Shawnee, OH

Schedule

August 17, 2026 - November 20, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Work collaboratively with a team of three others to complete priority projects determined by 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 possible 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.

- Take part in trail work, such as clear trail corridor with hand tools and small equipment; install grade dips and drainage structures; rehab and reestablish the tread of a trail; build trail structures (i.e. retaining walls, check steps, staircases, fences, or barriers)

Marginal Duties

- Participate in professional development opportunities, as available

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.

Preferred Qualifications

- Prior experience with trail work or outdoor conservation work is a plus, but not required

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 may be provided with shared housing for a portion of 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. When camping, team members will be provided with a campsite and camping gear (tent and sleeping pad).

Compensation

-Living allowance: $650*/week living allowance (pre-tax)

-One-time travel allowance provided: $650

-Budget for meals during work days (managed by leader)

-SCA branded uniform items and gear

-SCA trails and corps member training, first aid training, ongoing professional development training-

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended, but not required

Additional Benefits

Wilderness First Aid Training

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.