Position Summary
The SCA Refuge Maintenance Specialist will assist the Refuge with a variety of projects that support daily refuge operations, visitor access, habitat stewardship, and facility maintenance while providing the candidate with valuable career experience in public lands management. Activities include but are not limited to: performing trail and boardwalk maintenance, assisting with groundskeeping and landscaping projects, supporting facility repairs and upkeep, operating hand and power tools safely, maintaining equipment and storage areas, assisting with habitat restoration projects, and supporting refuge events and operations. The candidate will gain hands-on experience in maintaining public use facilities, supporting conservation infrastructure, and assisting Refuge staff with projects that improve visitor experiences and protect natural resources. These experiential learning opportunities will be hands-on, engaging, and will utilize resources throughout the Refuge. The duties of this position will support Refuge goals through maintaining facilities, improving visitor access, supporting habitat management efforts, and assisting with operational needs across the Refuge.
Hosting Organization
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Schedule
October 5, 2026 - July 9, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform trail, boardwalk, and fence maintenance.
- Assist with groundskeeping, including mowing, trimming, landscaping, and invasive plant removal.
- Support maintenance and repair of Refuge facilities, buildings, kiosks, signs, and public use areas.
- Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment safely.
- Assist with habitat restoration projects, including planting native vegetation and maintaining pollinator and wetland areas.
- Support daily Refuge operations and prepare for public programs and special events.
- Maintain equipment storage areas and workspaces.
- Assist with trash removal, custodial tasks, and upkeep of visitor access areas.
- Collaborate with Refuge staff, volunteers, and community partners on maintenance and stewardship projects.
Marginal Duties
- Assist biology and visitor services teams with habitat restoration and public events.
- Support volunteer workdays and community engagement activities.
- Assist with offsite community stewardship projects.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Possess a valid driver's license.
- Have experience working outdoors and performing physical labor.
- Safely lift and carry equipment, tools, and materials.
- Work effectively in a variety of weather conditions.
- Submit a current resume as part of the application.
- Meet eligibility requirements under the Public Land Corps Authority:
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 with maintenance, landscaping, trail work, carpentry, construction, groundskeeping, or equipment operation.
- Demonstrate familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.
- Work effectively in outdoor, team-oriented environments.
- Show an interest in conservation, public lands, and facilities management.
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.
- Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
- If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
- Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
- Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment.
- Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
- If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
- Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
- Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment.
Working Conditions
Work schedules and project assignments may change on short notice and can be ambiguous. The work requires the ability to interact professionally and positively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Duties may be performed in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local communities. Work may occur in inclement or severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, fog, reduced visibility, lightning, and poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke or smog. Responsibilities may also involve working in warm temperatures and extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 110°F in some regions. Work settings may include exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes, other insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
shared living bunkhouse available for a fee but member is also able to find their own living accommodations.
Compensation
living allowance of $700/week, a housing allowance of $750/month, a relocation allowance of $1,100 (paid once),
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
Health Insurance
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.
