2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - Cultural Resource Crew bei The Student Conservation Association

Position Summary 

The Student Conservation Association in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking outgoing individuals to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Cultural Resource Crew. The CRC is intended to provide aspiring archaeologists and preservationists the professional skills to build successful careers in land and resource management. Members will be exposed to a variety of Cultural Resource Management projects that will help to build a strong foundation for a continued career in CRM. Most work will take place in State Parks and Forests across Pennsylvania.

This is a team based position. The CRC consists of three members under the supervisor of a Project Leader. The season is a combination of field work, lab work, and reporting/research assignments.

Program Dates

March 16th, 2026 - November 25th, 2026

***CORPS MEMBER TRAINING will take place in person from March 16th - March 23rd. This is a paid required training for all corps members. Members should plan to be away from home during this time. Lodging and meals provided.

Application Process:

The application will remain open until Jan 1st however given the volume of applicants that we receive, position may fill prior to Jan 1st. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Candidates not selected for our initial cohort will be placed on a backfill list.

Please note that the Outdoor Corps is currently hiring for 60+ positions across the state. It may take several weeks for a staff member to follow up on your application.

Schedule:

Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 5:00pm

*Members will be given a report time each Monday and will be expected to be on site at that time.

2026 Project Sites May Include:

• Pymatuning State Park
• Ravensburg State Park
• William Penn State Forest
• Various Historical Sites, State Parks, and State Forest Districts throughout PA.

Key Duties:

• Phase I archaeological and above-ground historic resource surveys
• Resource inventory
• Resource/site assessment
• Research-oriented investigations
• Historic Restoration
• Other resource management work as needed

Marginal Duties:

• Utilization of Three Job Shadow Days. Participation is not required but highly encouraged. 

Required Qualifications 

• Must be 18+ at the start of the program. 
• A degree (BA or BS) in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation or a related field. 
• Able to effectively live and work with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to team success. 
• Must have reliable transportation to and from hitch locations  
• Must be a resident of Pennsylvania

Preferred Qualifications 

• A strong background in cultural resources management and/or Section 106 of the NHPA  
• Experience in field and laboratory settings 
• Experience writing for technical publication and public outreach;  
• Experience in curation of archaeological or archival materials; 

Hours 

Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (37.5hrs per week)

-Lunches are 30 minutes unpaid

Accommodations 

Throughout the season the CRC will stay on site at the parks/forests they are working in. Accommodations will vary depending on park availability. In most cases cabins or other housing may be available. When park housing is not an option the crew may be required to camp out. Due to the remote areas that we work in and limited housing options, crew members will be expected to share living spaces while on hitch. Individual rooms will be assigned when available but are not always guaranteed.

Compensation  

$17.31/hr paid bi-weekly (75 Total hours per pay period)

*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Additional Benefits:

• PTO
• Optional Employees Sponsored Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement)
• Food and accommodations provided while on hitch

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. 
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time. 
• 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 internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, 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. 
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions. 
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or 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 cultures and perspectives.
• Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.
• Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.
• Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.