Job Description

Conservation Corps – 2026 Western Corps Angeles National Forest Restoration Team

Crew Member: Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team

Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District

Conservation Begins Here.

Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as a Crew Member on the Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team, where you’ll help protect sensitive postfire landscapes by installing metal post‑and‑cable barriers that prevent illegal off‑highway vehicle (OHV) access. This project directly supports long‑term habitat recovery, erosion control, and responsible recreation in one of the most ecologically important regions of the Angeles National Forest.

You’ll be part of a 4‑person crew (1 Project Leader + 3 Crew Members), living and working together throughout the season while gaining hands-on conservation skills, technical field experience, and a deeper understanding of land stewardship.

Schedule

Program Dates: 9/14/2026 – 11/21/2026

Training Sequence:

• Crew Member Training: 9/14 – 9/17
• Wilderness First Aid: 9/18 – 9/19
• Conservation Work Skills: 9/20 - 9/24

Field Season: 9/28/2026 – 11/19/2026

De‑Rig: 11/20

Departure Day: 11/21/2026

Total Term: 10 weeks

Location

Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District

Primary project sites are located within the Drinkwater Flat OHV Area and surrounding postfire landscapes.

Crew camping will be based at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable front‑country site.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

These are the essential functions of the role:

• Install metal post‑and‑cable OHV barriers according to U.S. Forest Service specifications
• Dig post holes, mix and pour cement, set posts, tension cable, and install clamps/hardware
• Conduct restoration tasks such as placing vegetative slash to obscure illegal routes
• Participate fully in all crew activities, including camp chores, meal prep, and community meetings
• Assist with tool care, vehicle checks, grocery shopping, and basecamp maintenance
• Maintain a positive, solution‑focused mindset to support crew goals
• Interact professionally with Forest Service staff and members of the public
• Uphold SCA safety standards, including twice‑daily check‑ins and field protocols

Marginal Duties

These tasks support the role but are not essential functions:

• Assist with mapping and GPS data collection
• Support logistics such as material staging and inventory
• Perform non‑routine tool and gear maintenance
• Drive the SCA vehicle for team support (if eligible)

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older by the position start date
• Legal work authorization in the U.S.
• Ability to pass SCA background check
• Completion of SCA Health Screening Questionnaire
• Full participation in required training (9/17/2026 – 9/24/2026)
• Commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem‑solving
• Willingness to work in challenging outdoor conditions, including:
  • High heat (90–105°F)
  • Santa Ana winds
  • Dust, cement exposure, and rocky soils
• Willingness to perform manual labor for up to 10 hours/day, lift 40+ lbs, and hike 3–5 miles/day
• Willingness to live and work in a communal environment

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants that receive the PLC must be between the ages of 18 and 30, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen, 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 if eligible

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hand tools, construction tasks, or outdoor labor
• Camping or outdoor living experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• For driver eligibility:
• 21+ years old
• Valid driver’s license for 3+ years
• Clean Motor Vehicle Record
• Completion of SCA driver training

Hours

This crew follows a Monday–Thursday, 10‑hour/day schedule during the field season.

Members should expect 80 hours of project work every two weeks, though schedules may shift based on weather, partner needs, or site access.

Living Accommodations

Participants will camp for the duration of the program, primarily at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable site. Amenities may include:

• Restrooms
• Potable water
• Showers (availability varies)

Expect limited access to electricity and cell service.

SCA provides group gear (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.); members bring personal items (sleeping bag, pad, clothing, mess kit).

A crew vehicle and trailer are provided for transportation and storage.

Compensation

• $450 weekly living allowance
• $650 one‑time roundtrip travel allowance (paid in first paycheck)
• Meals provided during fieldwork

Personal Vehicle Information

A personal vehicle is not required

Members may bring personal vehicles for off‑time use, but SCA is not responsible for fuel, parking, or security.

Additional Benefits

• Wilderness First Aid certification
• Conservation Work Skills training
• Technical barrier installation training
• Defensive driver training (if eligible)
• Uniform package including daypack, work shirts, water bladder, and more
• Group gear provided (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.)

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCA is committed to a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect, and supports personal and professional growth for all participants.