A pair of members will work as a team alongside NPS employees conducting a variety of trail maintenance activities. Members will gain knowledge and experience in the workings of a National Park Service facility division as well as in depth knowledge of a wide variety of trail types from paved bike trails to narrow hiking trails and their associated structures. Members will also be expected to work independently as a team and individually.
Location
Arlington, VA
Schedule
August 3, 2026 - October 23, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Trail bridge repairs include decking and railing replacement, pavement repairs, and vegetation cutback on Mount Vernon Trail;
Boardwalk repairs including structural replacement on Theodore Roosevelt Island and Dyke Marsh Trails;
Various trail and trail bridge repairs at Great Falls Park;
Trail and bridge inspections on all GWMP trail system
Marginal Duties
Support the Trails Supervisor to accomplish other trail work priorities as needed
Required Qualifications
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must be a minimum of 18 years of age; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working on any of the following: trail work, landscaping work, carpentry work.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Member is responsible for own housing
Compensation
$600/week; Housing allowance - $900/month
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
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.
