Job Description

For the proposed youth opportunity, SCA will recruit and place three, 12-month members in the Mother Lode Field Office to assist with habitat enhancement and restoration within the Cosumnes River Preserve, Galt, Sacramento County, California. Restoration work projects will involve construction/repair of livestock grazing fence, removal of non-native/invasive plants, thinning trees (up to 6” in diameter) collecting of seeds, planting native vegetation, and/or removal of trash. The riparian areas of this property support a diverse community of plants and wildlife, including the Federally threatened Coho salmon, steelhead, and giant garter snake. SCA will work closely with Cosumnes River Preserve staff to coordinate projects.

Hosting Organization

BLM California (CA)

Location

Galt, CA

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

October 19, 2026 - October 15, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The member will complete restoration work in Cosumnes River Preserve. Primary duties include: Habitat restoration— controlling weeds (mechanically and chemically), monitoring habitat, native plant material collection, native plant plantings, forest health (vegetation clearing including tree removal), and maintenance of equipment used in these tasks. Hard physical labor. This work will be completed under the oversight of the BLM’s Wildlife Biologist, Botanist and Preserve Manager. CRP is a partnership, some project time will be assisting CRP Partners – The Nature Conservancy, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento County, CA Department of Water Resources.

Marginal Duties

Assist in facilities management (trail maintenance, basic building maintenance), occasional educational out reach or interacting with k-12 students, trash pick up, data collection via FieldMaps/ArcGIS.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have or be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in biology or social science-related disciplines. The position will require extensive time outdoors and field work that is often under somewhat rigorous physical conditions. Applicants must have good communication skills and the ability to work independently. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.

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

First aid training certificate—basic is ok, wilderness is ideal
Tool experience—weed eater, shovels, trimmers, pruners, etc.
Chainsaw certified—ideal, not required
Physically fit—hike 5+ miles, lift 50 pounds
Interests/previous learning in biology, ecology, wildlife, plants

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.

• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.;Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

The BLM will provide furnished, shared-room housing (similar to a youth hostel), bunk beds with 2 to 4 people in a 12’ x 12’ room).

Compensation

Living Allowance: $750/week. Travel Allowance: $650 $200/month food allowance on a reimbursement basis with receipts. $1200 for PPE and equipment on a reimbursement basis with receipts.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Driving

Driving is not required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training
Wilderness First Aid Training
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.