Position Summary
The 2026 Buckeye Trail Team will consist of one leader and three team members who will be working on constructing new trail along the Buckeye Trail. The trail will be built to Forest Service standards and will help in the important work of creating a 100-mile backpacking network in Perry, Athens, and Morgan County, Ohio. This project aims to increase tourism in southeast Ohio by highlighting the natural beauty and history of the region.
The Buckeye Trail Team will introduce crewmembers to trail building. The team will begin their program with a field-based training program close to the project site. Guided by an experienced Project Leader, Corps Members will learn and practice hard and soft skills that are essential for a successful trail project. After training, the Buckeye Trail team will work on a variety of projects focused on trail building to meet the Buckeye Trail's ambitious construction plan.
Trail projects involve working with hand tools and occasionally small equipment. Fieldwork is physically and mentally demanding. Crew members can expect to camp part of the season, until they move to indoor housing with the change in season. Campsites may have limited amenities or cell service. The team will have access to one SCA vehicle for transportation to/from the worksite.
This position is designed to give the Senior Member hands-on leadership experience by supporting conservation crew management duties. Use what you learn from this position to apply for crew lead positions in the future.
Senior Members of trail crews wear many hats - worksite manager, reporter, community organizer and cheerleader are just a few. Some Senior Members will have a strong foundation in living and experience working outdoors. Others may excel in fostering team dynamics, navigating interpersonal relationships, or creating a strong sense of community. SCA wants to identify your individual strengths for this role and help you develop additional necessary skills. Our senior members must have an enthusiasm to learn in challenging conditions, actively contribute to their community, and be able to adapt to dynamic work environments.
Success hinges on understanding and addressing both personal and group needs. Senior members will need to establish effective communication strategies with their team and work alongside their Crew Leader to accomplish project and team goals. Senior members must be fully invested in supporting their crew, through everything from community meetings to individual pep talks. Expect to offer support even outside of project hours.
Hosting Organization
Buckeye Trail Association
Location
Shawnee, OH
Schedule
August 17, 2026 - November 20, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- The Senior Member will work under the guidance of a Team Leader to support the logistical and community needs of the crew;
- Lead your crew through daily tasks like meal shopping, basecamp chores, vehicle inspections, tool counts, and logistical tasks;
- Promote community development by facilitating teambuilding activities;
- Interface with the general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and partner agency;
- Maintain an active, solution-focused mindset to achieve crew objectives;
- Adhere and promote standards set through SCA's policies;
- Work collaboratively with a team of three others to complete priority projects determined by partner staff;
- Engage as a crew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productive teamwork;
- Work variable hours, possible long days and possible weekends, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances;
- Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools.
- Take part in trail work, such as clear trail corridor with hand tools and small equipment; install grade dips and drainage structures; rehab and reestablish the tread of a trail; build trail structures (i.e. retaining walls, check steps, staircases, fences, or barriers)
Marginal Duties
- Support technical and outdoors skill development of crew members.
- Contribute to travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support.
- Non-routine tool and gear maintenance.
Hours
40 hours per week
Living Accommodations
This crew will live and work together for the duration of the season. SCA emphasizes the importance of community building and growth in interpersonal skills throughout the program. The team may be provided with shared housing for a portion of the season; team members should expect to share rooms and common spaces (kitchen, bathrooms). Members should also expect to participate in communal living practices such as cooking group meals, grocery shopping, and sharing chores at the team house. When camping, team members will be provided with a campsite and camping gear (tent and kitchen cache).
Compensation
- Living allowance: $750*/week living allowance (pre-tax)
- One-time travel allowance provided: $650
- Budget for meals during work days (managed by leader)
- SCA branded uniform items and gear
- SCA trails and corps member training, first aid training, ongoing professional development training
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended, but not required
Additional Benefits
Wilderness First Aid Training
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
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 may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.;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.
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.
