Conservation Corps – 2026 Western Corps Angeles National Forest Restoration Team
Project Leader: Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District
Position Summary
Conservation Begins Here.
Are you ready to lead a high impact conservation project, mentor emerging conservationists, and work closely with U.S. Forest Service partners to protect sensitive postfire landscapes? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as the Project Leader for our Fall 2026 Angeles National Forest Restoration Team — a role that blends leadership, logistics, technical fieldwork, and meaningful ecological restoration.
You'll guide a 4‑person crew through the installation of approximately 700 feet of metal post‑and‑cable OHV barriers, helping prevent illegal off‑highway vehicle (OHV) access and supporting long-term habitat recovery in one of the most heavily impacted regions of the Angeles National Forest.
Schedule
Position Dates: 9/13/2026 – 11/25/2026
Leader Preseason: 9/13/2026 – 9/17/2026
Crew Member Training:
- Crew Member Training: 9/14 – 9/17
- Wilderness First Aid: 9/18 – 9/19
- Conservation Work Skills: 9/20 - 9/24
Field Season: 9/28/2026 – 11/19/2026
Crew Members Depart: 11/21/2026
Leader Postseason Wrap Up: 11/23/2026 – 11/25/2026
Total Term: 11 weeks
Location
Angeles National Forest – Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District
Primary project sites are located within the Drinkwater Flat OHV Area and surrounding postfire landscapes.
Crew camping will be based at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable front country site.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
These are the essential functions of the role:
Leadership & Crew Management
- Supervise, mentor, and support a crew of 3 Crew Members
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and safety‑focused crew culture
- Facilitate daily check-ins, debriefs, and conflict resolution
- Lead training on tool use, safety, field protocols, and project expectations
Project Implementation
- Coordinate daily with U.S. Forest Service staff
- Install metal post‑and‑cable barriers according to partner specifications
- Oversee digging post holes, mixing/pouring cement, setting posts, and tensioning cable
- Manage material staging, tool inventory, and equipment maintenance
- Ensure accurate GPS mapping and documentation of installed barriers
Logistics & Administration
- Develop weekly schedules and work plans
- Conduct vehicle inspections, grocery planning, and camp logistics
- Maintain daily and weekly work logs, before/after photos, and partner reports
- Uphold SCA risk management protocols, including twice daily check‑ins
- Complete end‑of‑season reporting and project wrap up
Marginal Duties
These tasks support the role but are not essential functions:
- Support budget tracking and purchasing
- Coordinate with other SCA teams or partners as needed
- Assist with emergency response or incident reporting
- Drive crew vehicle and trailer
Required Qualifications
- Must be 21 or older by the start date
- Legal work authorization in the U.S.
- Valid driver's license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
- Experience leading teams in outdoor, conservation, or service settings
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Perform manual labor for up to 10 hours/day, lift 40+ lbs, and hike 3–5 miles/day
- Work in challenging outdoor conditions, including: High heat (90–105°F), Santa Ana winds, dust, cement exposure, and rocky soils
- Live and work in a communal, multigendered environment
- Commitment to SCA's safety, equity, and inclusion values
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous SCA leadership experience or similar conservation leadership role
- Experience with construction, fencing, trail work, or restoration projects
- Familiarity with GPS mapping
- Experience coordinating with agency partners
- Wilderness First Responder or higher (WFR provided as part of training program)
- Trailer towing experience
Hours
This crew follows a Monday–Thursday, 10‑hour/day schedule during the field season.
Pre‑season and postseason schedules vary based on planning, partner meetings, and de‑rig needs.
Living Accommodations
The crew will camp for the duration of the program, primarily at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area or a comparable site. Amenities may include:
- Restrooms
- Potable water
- Showers (availability varies)
Expect limited access to electricity and cell service.
SCA provides group gear (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.); leaders bring personal items (sleeping bag, pad, clothing, mess kit).
A crew vehicle and trailer are provided for transportation and storage.
Compensation
- $850 weekly living allowance (leader rate)
- $1,000 travel allowance (½ paid in first paycheck, ½ paid in last paycheck)
- Meals provided during fieldwork
- $1000 Retention Bonus (for eligible returning leaders)
- $200 Uniform Credit (for eligible returning leaders)
- All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
A personal vehicle is not required for this position. Project Leaders are responsible for the SCA‑issued crew vehicle, including picking it up from the SCA program hub at the start of the season, ensuring it is properly maintained throughout the program, and returning it to the hub at the end of the season.
Leaders may bring a personal vehicle for off‑time use; however, doing so is not recommended, as the leader is expected to prioritize the safe operation, transport, and daily readiness of the SCA crew vehicle. SCA is not responsible for fuel, parking, maintenance, or security of personal vehicles.
Additional Benefits
- Wilderness First Responder certification
- Conservation Work Skills training
- Defensive driver training and trailer training
- Uniform package including daypack, work shirts, water bladder, and more
- Group gear provided (tents, stoves, water filters, etc.)
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCA is committed to a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect, and supports personal and professional growth for all participants.
