Position Summary
The Engineering Program Assistant will support El Yunque National Forest's Hurricane Recovery Program and engineering projects by assisting with ERFO implementation, facility assessments, and project coordination. The member will work closely with the Engineering Staff Officer and team to support planning, documentation, meeting coordination, and field activities. This project aims to strengthen engineering operations, improve infrastructure recovery, and enhance sustainable recreation across the forest. The member will help streamline communication, compile technical information, and contribute to project management tasks that support long‑term forest resilience. Through this role, participants gain hands‑on engineering, administrative, and field experience while supporting critical recovery and restoration goals at El Yunque National Forest.
Hosting Organization
El Yunque National Forest
Location
Rio Grande, PR
- This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
- This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
- This position may conduct work in a backcountry setting where emergency services are limited and may be delayed by several hours to days. Access to public transportation at work site is not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
Schedule
September 7, 2026 - January 29, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Directly work with the Engineering Staff Officer; Coordinate and record minutes (note taker) for the Engineering team, Forest Leadership Team and other meetings as assigned; Work directly in the restoration efforts post Hurricanes in different roles as required and capable; Help with the organization and planning input of public day celebrations (i.e. International Day of the Forest) ; Aid in budget planning and strategic planning as requested by the unit; Compile forest information (print and digital format) for internal and external dissemination; Organize and check outgoing communication materials; Interact with a diverse public to provide relevant and accurate information during community and public meetings; Schedules meetings and/or appointments for the supervisor and plans for time, participants, and location of meetings based on the priorities and commitments of the supervisor; Personally, drafts responses to items not requiring technical program knowledge, and responds to requests for material concerning the unit's programs. Tracks work in progress to ensure due dates will be met; Reviews outgoing correspondence submitted for supervisor's signature for grammatical accuracy and conformance with policy and discusses deviations or discrepancies with the author; Receives requests for statistical and informational materials concerning the unit's programs; Personally, compiles information from office files and records, or refers requests to appropriate staff and conducts appropriate follow-up; Establishes and maintains the unit's files in hard-copy and/or electronic format, as required; Prepares a wide variety of correspondence and recurring reports from rough drafts or using standardized formats, databases, and spreadsheets; Draft mercury correspondence database letters and ensure proper spelling, grammar, and format; Ensures proper spelling, grammar, format and arrangement of materials, and appropriate routing and clearance of materials;
Marginal Duties
- Complete AD-700 forms for supplies, equipment, maintenance services, contracts, etc., as required
- Assist with field-going activities for Engineering and other staff as scheduled with supervisor's approval
- Assist engineers in after-storm field assessments
- Assists on projects management tasks and project monitoring tasks
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or in last year of bachelor degree in a related field
- Driver's license
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.
Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fluent in English and Spanish
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.
Hours
Living Accommodations
Compensation
- Living Allowance: $600/week
- Housing Allowance: $800/month (5 months)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Driving
- Driving a motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.
Additional Benefits
- Defensive Driving Training
- First Aid/CPR
- 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.
