Tygart Lake, located in Taylor County, West Virginia, is a 1,750-acre reservoir formed by the Tygart Dam, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1935 and 1938. The project's primary goals are to provide flood protection for the Tygart River Valley, Monongahela, and upper Ohio Rivers, as well as to augment streamflow for navigation and water supply during low-water seasons. The lake is a popular destination for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping, with Tygart Lake State Park nearby also offering a lodge, cabins, and campsites. Interns may be engaged in natural resource management, maintaining recreational facilities, shoreline management, environmental education, and working with partners like the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for wildlife and fisheries management.
Location
Grafton, WV
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
No additional duties.
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
Interpretive Skills
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
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.
