Position Summary
SCA's Idaho AmeriCorps Residential Program is designed to meet the environmental conservation, natural resource protection, community stewardship, and workforce development needs of public land managers in Idaho and the surrounding communities. 14 corps members and 3 project leaders will spend the season based at the Indianola Ranger Station, located in North Fork ID, and work on public land management projects in crews of 5 or 6 people. Crews will spend significant amounts of time in basecamp settings and remote locations. 2026 projects include fence construction, trail maintenance, fuels reduction and thinning, developed recreation management, watershed restoration and more.
Location
North Fork, ID
Schedule
August 3, 2026 - September 26, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Be an active and participatory corps member – attend all training and service days, and participate in weekly chores around the program base and base camp. Take on role of Hitch Leader for at least one hitch, serving as a professional liaison with park managers, handling the logistics of a project, delegating responsibilities, developing emergency response plans, and completing all necessary paperwork. Be an active and participatory member of the SCA Idaho Corps, Forest and Parks, and AmeriCorps Community. Comply with all SCA and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities. Perform outdoor conservation projects, 85% Participate in training opportunities, 15% Position is physically demanding and will require some evening and weekend work Corps members are encouraged to develop a connection and build SCA's relationships with the local community through volunteer activities and interaction with the local non-profits and the general public. Represent SCA in a positive manner.
Marginal Duties
Assist in travel planning, data collection, and team logistics support; Non-routine tool and gear maintenance; If eligible, may drive the SCA vehicle for team support;
Required Qualifications
Ability to serve independently and as part of a team. Able to live and serve in diverse situations and outdoor environments. Willing to try new things and learn new skills. Able to lift 50 lbs and hike 10 miles. Willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities. Good communication skills. Must have a high school diploma/GED. Willing to serve some nights and weekends. Willing to camp outside for 10 days at a time. Ability to perform physical work outdoors in remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group. Interest in recreation, resource management, historic preservation, and public access issues. Position requires frequent exposure to potentially harmful biotic factors including poison ivy, stinging and biting insects and ticks. AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements: This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements; • Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; • Be at least 18 years or older; • High school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete; • Willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
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
Previous camping and backpacking experience is helpful. Excellent organization, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. Working within a team setting for a common goal is critical as well as being able to work independently. Applicants should have the desire to spend extended periods of time in natural settings and be prepared to manage the mental and physical rigors of extended periods of time outdoors.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
SCA Idaho AmeriCorps is based at the historic Indianola Ranger Station on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The living conditions are simple, rustic, and community focused. Along with the 1913 Ranger Station where the main office is located, there are several bunkhouses, a community house, shower house, and several storage buildings on site for tools and equipment. The facility is off-grid with no cell phone service and limited satellite internet connectivity. Land lines are available, and propane generators provide power to appliances in the buildings. Members will live in rustic bunkhouses or in furnished wall-tents. Situated on the Wild and Scenic Salmon River, there are ample opportunities for recreation, and travel to nearby towns for goods is a 45-minute drive. A significant amount of time will be spent camping during the work hitches. Members can expect periods of up to 10 days camping in front-country or back-country locations throughout the season.
Compensation
- $650 round-trip travel allowance (paid 1/2 in first paycheck, 1/2 in the last paycheck)
- $350 weekly living allowance
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for completion of 300-hour service term - $1,565.08; All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
- Meals: Provided all season
- Gear: Group camping gear, like tents, stoves, and filters, are provided
- Uniform Package: Includes daypack, work shirts, water bladder and more! You'll also receive: Conservation trail work skills training Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification Chainsaw/Crosscut certification Defensive driver training, if eligible Trailer driving training, if eligible
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
- Bear Safety
- Defensive Drive Training
- First Aid/CPR
- Wilderness First Aid Training
- AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
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.
This material is based upon work supported by AmeriCorps under 23FXDID0010001. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, AmeriCorps.
This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
