Conservation Corps - Midwest Roving Corps Team Member

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a renowned organization that partners with several federal agencies to provide young adults with meaningful opportunities to serve and conserve the nation's public lands and natural resources. SCA is committed to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and professional development for its members. In 2026, the Midwest NPS/USFS Team will consist of four young adults working alongside U.S. Forest Service (USFS) partners at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin and National Park Service (NPS) partners at Gateway Arch National Park in Missouri. This collaboration between SCA, USFS, and NPS highlights a shared commitment to maintaining and improving natural and historic sites through hands-on conservation and trail work. Members of this team will gain invaluable real-world experience in outdoor conservation projects while building skills in trail maintenance, environmental restoration, and community teamwork.

This seasonal position runs from August 17, 2026, to October 23, 2026, offering a comprehensive experience in public land stewardship. The selected crew members will live and work closely together, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration throughout the program. The team will often transition between work projects and living sites, requiring adaptability and flexibility. One week may involve constructing trail reroutes or building box steps in forested areas, while the following week could involve placing paver blocks in urban settings such as downtown St. Louis. The program offers a mixture of remote forest trail work and urban landscaping projects, providing diverse hands-on experience.

The role also involves physically demanding fieldwork, such as trail brushing, mapping wilderness areas, planting, and landscaping. Crew members will use both hand tools and occasional small equipment, working under variable weather conditions and terrains. There will be a field-based training session at the beginning of the season that teaches essential skills like risk management, tool handling, and teamwork strategies led by an experienced Project Leader. Members can expect part of the season to include camping at primitive sites with limited amenities and cell service, while urban assignments in St. Louis will be supported with indoor housing.

Compensation includes a living allowance of $450 per week (pre-tax), a one-time travel allowance of $650, meals funded during workdays, SCA branded gear, and training opportunities like first aid and professional development. This position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority and is open to adults aged 18 or older who meet legal and physical requirements. The experience gained will not only contribute to essential public land projects but also provide participants with skills and credentials beneficial for future careers in conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental management.