The Engineering Program Assistant will support El Yunque National Forest’s Hurricane Recovery Program and engineering projects by assisting with ERFO implementation, facility assessments, and project coordination. The member will work closely with the Engineering Staff Officer and team to support planning, documentation, meeting coordination, and field activities. This project aims to strengthen engineering operations, improve infrastructure recovery, and enhance sustainable recreation across the forest. The member will help streamline communication, compile technical information, and contribute to project management tasks that support long‑term forest resilience. Through this role, participants gain hands‑on engineering, administrative, and field experience while supporting critical recovery and restoration goals at El Yunque National Forest.
Hosting Organization
El Yunque National Forest
Location
Rio Grande, PR
Schedule
September 7, 2026 - January 29, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Directly work with the Engineering Staff Officer; Coordinate and record minutes (note taker) for the Engineering team, Forest Leadership Team and other meetings as assigned; Work directly in the restoration efforts post Hurricanes in different roles as required and capable; Help with the organization and planning input of public day celebrations (i.e. International Day of the Forest) ; Aid in budget planning and strategic planning as requested by the unit; Compile forest information (print and digital format) for internal and external dissemination; Organize and check outgoing communication materials; Interact with a diverse public to provide relevant and accurate information during community and public meetings; Schedules meetings and/or appointments for the supervisor and plans for time, participants, and location of meetings based on the priorities and commitments of the supervisor; Personally, drafts responses to items not requiring technical program knowledge, and responds to requests for material concerning the unit's programs. Tracks work in progress to ensure due dates will be met; Reviews outgoing correspondence submitted for supervisor's signature for grammatical accuracy and conformance with policy and discusses deviations or discrepancies with the author; Receives requests for statistical and informational materials concerning the unit's programs; Personally, compiles information from office files and records, or refers requests to appropriate staff and conducts appropriate follow-up; Establishes and maintains the unit's files in hard-copy and/or electronic format, as required; Prepares a wide variety of correspondence and recurring reports from rough drafts or using standardized formats, databases, and spreadsheets; Draft mercury correspondence database letters and ensure proper spelling, grammar, and format; Ensures proper spelling, grammar, format and arrangement of materials, and appropriate routing and clearance of materials;
Marginal Duties
Required Qualifications
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. 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.
Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
Hours
Living Accommodations
Compensation
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Driving
Additional Benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
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.
