Position Summary
This program is a regional camping based adventure at Merck Forest and Farmland in Rupert, Vermont. The program will be focused on sustainable trail management and maintenance, agriculture and farming. Crew members and leaders will work with farm animals and support the working farm. This is a one of a kind opportunity and the chance to experience camping, hiking and working within Merck Forest and Farmland.
Hosting Organization
Merck Forest and Farmland Center
Location
Rupert, VT
Schedule
August 17, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate fully in all work, workshops, and group activities
- Follow safety rules and use tools/equipment properly
- Contribute to camp life (meals, cleaning, shared spaces)
- Work as a team, self-care, and forest and farmland operations
Marginal Duties
- Assist with camp set-up and break-down
- Help lead icebreakers, games, or group activities
- Support peers who need extra help or encouragement
- Take part in documenting the experience (photos, journaling, sharing reflections)
- Volunteer for extra tasks or leadership roles when able
Required Qualifications
- Experience doing outdoor maintenance and stewardship projects.
- Willingness to work in outdoor environs in hot and/or rainy weather.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
- Able to independently manage all personal belongings.
- If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing with 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 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
Camping in SCA Provided equipment and or Merck Forest and Farmland Center rustic cabins.
Compensation
- $17.00/hour(40 hours/week
- Meals Provided
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Additional Benefits
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.
