Conservation Corps – 2026 Western Corps Angeles National Forest Restoration Team
Project Leader: Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District
Conservation Begins Here.
Are you ready to lead a high impact conservation project, mentor emerging conservationists, and work closely with U.S. Forest Service partners to protect sensitive postfire landscapes? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as the Project Leader for our Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team — a role that blends leadership, logistics, technical fieldwork, and meaningful ecological restoration.
You’ll guide a 4‑person crew through the installation of approximately 700 feet of metal post‑and‑cable OHV barriers, helping prevent illegal off‑highway vehicle (OHV) access and supporting long-term habitat recovery in one of the most heavily impacted regions of the Angeles National Forest.
Schedule
Position Dates: 8/17/2026 – 11/25/2026 - Total Term: 15 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:
Leadership & Crew Management
Project Implementation
Logistics & Administration
Marginal Duties
These tasks support the role but are not essential functions:
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Hours
This crew follows a Monday–Thursday, 10‑hour/day schedule during the field season.
Pre‑season and postseason schedules vary based on planning, partner meetings, and de‑rig needs.
Living Accommodations
The crew will camp for the duration of the program, primarily at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable site. Amenities may include:
Expect limited access to electricity and cell service.
SCA provides group gear (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.); leaders bring personal items (sleeping bag, pad, clothing, mess kit).
A crew vehicle and trailer are provided for transportation and storage.
Compensation
Personal Vehicle Information
A personal vehicle is not required for this position. Project Leaders are responsible for the SCA‑issued crew vehicle, including picking it up from the SCA program hub at the start of the season, ensuring it is properly maintained throughout the program, and returning it to the hub at the end of the season.
Leaders may bring a personal vehicle for off‑time use; however, doing so is not recommended, as the leader is expected to prioritize the safe operation, transport, and daily readiness of the SCA crew vehicle. SCA is not responsible for fuel, parking, maintenance, or security of personal vehicles.
Additional Benefits
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.
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.
