Shenango River Lake, completed in 1965, is a key flood-control project in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pittsburgh District, preventing over $252 million in flood damages in the Shenango River Valley and the Beaver and upper Ohio rivers. Beyond flood mitigation, the project's goals include improving water quality and quantity for various uses and offering a wide array of recreational activities. The lake is a popular spot for camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and even offers an all-terrain vehicle park. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with managing recreational facilities like a campground and boat launch, overseeing natural resources, and assisting with light maintenance tasks. They also work in partnerships with other agencies on wildlife and fisheries management and are involved in water quality monitoring and restoration projects.
Location
Hermitage, PA
Schedule
May 11, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Support public recreational activities.
• Implement the Corps Water Safety Program.
• Protect and preserve natural resources.
• Provide interpretive assistance through direct and indirect contacts, both on and off-site.
• Update bulletin boards and create interpretive displays.
• Stock and distribute informative materials.
• Staff information centers during high visitation periods.
• Give interpretive talks and lead interpretive programs.
• Interact with visitors daily, aiding and updating them on lake and weather conditions.
• Conduct trail maintenance, and boundary surveys.
• Support special events.
• Perform light maintenance, painting, and repair tasks in recreation areas.
• Share the story and mission of the Corps with the public.
• Assist with boat patrols
Marginal Duties
Assist with campground management
Assist volunteers with performing recreation duties
Aid in dam tours
Promote and assist with special events
Required Qualifications
Must be 18 years of age;
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license;
Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent;
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;
Must wear SCA provided attire while on duty.
Preferred Qualifications
Public service experience;
Natural resource management experience.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
No housing provided.
Compensation
Living Allowance: $350/week; Housing Allowance: $800/month (4 payments); Commuting Allowance: $75/week; up to $650 in reimbursable expenses for relocation
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
Interpretive Skills
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.
