2026 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps - State College Adult Crew presso 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. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, job training, and educational opportunities. Throughout the season members will also participate in education and training activities related to resource management, environmental education and recreation.

The State College Crew is open to young adults ages 18+ who are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. The State College Crew will complete conservation and infrastructure projects at state parks in the region such as:

Penn-Roosevelt State Park

Whipple Dam State Park

Greenwood Furnace State Park

Poe Paddy State Park

Poe Valley State Park

Reeds Gap State Park

R.B Winter State Park

Ravensburg State Park

Bald Eagle State Forest

Program Dates

June 29th, 2026 - August 7th, 2026

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.

Daily Schedule:

Monday - Friday 7:30am-3:30pm

Lunches are 30 minutes, unpaid

*This is a field based position. Efforts will be made to accommodate safe and/or indoor work during short periods of inclement weather but crew members may be called-off during periods of extreme weather and therefore, 40 hours per week is not guaranteed in the event of inclement weather events. 

Crew members will meet each morning at a centralized meeting location in State College. At the meeting location, crew members will load into the crew truck and travel out to work locations together. Crews return to the meeting location by the end of the work day. Please consider that the commute to the worksite may be an hour or more each way. This time is included in the work day.

Work Project May Include:

• Facility maintenance projects including: painting, staining, light carpentry, plumbing, siding, other building rehabilitation and upkeep.
• Constructions projects such as: bridges, stairs, picnic tables, pavilions, and masonry.
• Trail maintenance and construction including: implementing water management techniques, brushing, blazing, reroutes.
• Habitat Restoration including: invasive species identification and treatments, herbicide applications.
• Tree Planting, and other general landscaping.
• Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance.
• Other work as assigned.

Marginal Duties 

• Assist with vehicle checks and tool inventory and maintenance
• Assist in documenting project outputs
• Assist in project logistics and planning

Required Qualifications 

• Ages 18+ at the start of the program.
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Able to conduct physically demanding work in all outdoor conditions. Including:
  • The ability to hike up to 4 miles per day.
  • Regularly lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Swing hand tools such as shovels, pick mattocks and McLeods for 6+ hours per day.
• Able to work effectively with other team members to achieve goals and contribute to team success. 
• Must be able to model safe and professional behavior at all times including wearing all appropriate personal protective equipment - PPE.
• Must have housing in or near state college (45 Minutes or less drive to meeting location).
• Must have reliable transportation to and from crew meeting location.

Preferred Qualifications 

• An interest in conservation careers, trade skills, or a related field in highly encouraged.
• Individuals over 21 with a clean driving record will be required to drive an SCA vehicle at times during the field season.

Living Accommodations 

No housing is provided. Members must have/secure their own housing for the duration of the program.

Compensation  

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

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended for transport to daily meeting location.

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.;Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events.
• Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
• Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.
• 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.