The Yosemite SCA Wilderness Crew is a roving Ecological Restoration crew that hikes throughout the Yosemite Wilderness restoring inappropriately located campsites, social trails and trail ruts as well as removing non-native invasive plants.
Yosemite has shifted to this type of crew thanks to the effectiveness of past restoration efforts and the belief that roving crews have less impact on the land. Think of yourselves as a Leave No Trace Wilderness Restoration Crew. The best ecological restoration work is that which can’t be noticed. This is a very physically challenging program given that the opportunity for flat hiking in Yosemite is extremely limited.
In general, there seems to be more up than down around here! The goal of the project is to facilitate the return of natural processes in areas affected by human caused impacts such as encroaching non-native plants, inappropriately located campsites or braided trails.
The Yosemite National Park wilderness crew will work on a multi-faceted project emphasizing the three components of Yosemite’s Wilderness Restoration Program:
- Removal and ecological restoration of inappropriate campsites
- Removal of invasive non-native plants
- Obstruction and ecological restoration of parallel trails and social trails.
Crew members will have the opportunity for a post-service visit to Yosemite Valley where they will participate in a career awareness session with NPS Staff, take an art class, have an astronomy talk, and ride bikes throughout the beautiful valley.
Gear, including backpacks, tents, and food are provided if needed. Boots can be made available, but SCA recommends purchasing these on your own and can provide recommendations.
The team will consist of 3-4 high school aged members, 1 senior member, and 1 leader.
Location
Bay Area, CA
Schedule
June 24th time TBD - Virtual Team Orientation
June 29, 2026- July 1, 2026 (dates subject to change within this week) - Prep Backpacking Trip in Bay Area
July 6, 2026 - July 29, 2026 - Yosemite Backcountry Service
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Marginal Duties
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Backcountry
Compensation
$680/week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
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.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
