Job Description

Interns at Blue Marsh Lake will assist US Army Corps of Engineer Park Rangers with water safety outreach, recreation area maintenance and visitor related duties. Blue Marsh Lake is a 6,200-acre federal project located near Reading, PA, serving up to 1,000,000 visitors annually. Work completed by SCA Interns will directly contribute to the safety and enjoyment of park visitors, as well as the conservation and protection of natural resources at the project. Daily work will include interacting with the public and assisting Park Ranger and Natural Resource Specialists with administering the recreation and environmental stewardship program. Interns will be exposed to and have an opportunity to participate in support of additional programs such as Flood Risk Management (Dam Safety/Operations) and the workplace safety program.

Location

Leesport, PA

Schedule

May 18, 2026 - September 4, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Interns will assist with managing daily operations at the park, interacting with the public and assisting Park Rangers and Natural Resources Specialists with administering the recreation and environmental stewardship programs at Blue Marsh Lake. Duties will include: • Assisting park rangers with the operation of the recreation areas during periods of high visitation. Interns may be trained to assist park staff with traffic direction duties in developed areas. Interns will be provided with training on interpretive techniques and project history and can provide project tours and guided hikes. • Promoting the USACE Water Safety mission by providing roving interpretation at the swim beach. The interns may also assist with setting up and staffing water safety booths at community events and will provide water safety information to the public, while representing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. • Assisting the Environmental Stewardship program with data collection including vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, and water quality monitoring and testing. • Performing maintenance to public use areas and hiking trails.

Marginal Duties

• Conduct monthly facility and equipment safety inspections in support of USACE safety program.
• May complete some clerical duties such as printing/copying/laminating notices, posters, or public outreach materials.
• May assist with light maintenance or grounds-keeping to non-recreation areas (such as administrative areas) in support of overall project mission.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old on the start date.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English.
• Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 40 pounds.

Available to work evening shifts (occasional), weekends (all with minor exceptions), and holidays (all) throughout the recreation season; Must be willing to wear personal protection equipment as required and in accordance with training; Must complete all training provided by the government (vehicle driving safety, water safety, first aid/CPR, other trainings as assigned; Must wear SCA provided attire while on duty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfortable to engage with the public.
• Experience operating power tools or using basic maintenance tools/equipment.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is not provided.

Compensation

• $350 - weekly Living Allowance
• $50 – weekly Commuting Allowance
• $1,000 – monthly Housing Allowance

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• 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.