Field Leader – C&O Canal National Historic Park Palisades Crew

Position Summary

This crew, based at the Palisades maintenance shop in Potomac, MD, will support C&O Canal maintenance staff with daily tasks along the towpath. Members will remove vegetation from historic stone structures such as culverts, locks, flumes, and walls, as well as assist with removing fallen trees. The crew, composed of two members, will work under an SCA crew leader alongside NPS partners and staff.

Opportunities may include supporting carpentry, masonry, and GIS mapping projects, as well as earning chainsaw certification if NPS capacity allows.

Basic First Aid and CPR training will be provided if needed. Successful completion may qualify members for Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority, granting eligibility for federal merit-based job openings for two years.

Potomac, MD

Training Dates:
March 9, 2026 – April 3, 2026

Position Dates:
April 6, 2026 – July 10, 2026

Alternating A/B Week Schedule

A Week:
Monday – Thursday 6:00am – 3:30pm

B Week:
Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 3:30 pm

Schedule subject to change as directed by SCA or NPS.

• Crew Supervisor:
  Foster teamwork, guide crew dynamics, and manage field-based tasks to ensure safety and productivity.
• Advisor:
  Train crew members in technical conservation skills, mentor personal and professional development, and promote environmental stewardship values.
• Project Manager:
  Communicate with agency and park partners, oversee successful and timely project completion, and ensure a positive representation of the SCA.
• Program Administrator:
  Organize logistics, manage program budgets, complete necessary documentation, and maintain clear communication with SCA staff.
• Driver:
  Upon completing SCA’s MVR check, SCA and NPS driver safety training, and field test, safely transport crew members to various worksite locations using an NPS work vehicle.
• This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to mentor budding conservationists while contributing to meaningful environmental projects in both urban and park settings.

Crew leaders should expect to complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, attending weekly staff check-in meetings, or reviewing member time logs, among other things.

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards.
• Ability to attend and complete 2-week overnight Leader Training with lodging, meals, and time paid by SCA during first 2‑weeks of program.
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 9 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more.
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
• Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards.

Optional benefit:
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.

• Experience working with tools and vegetation removal highly preferred;
• Experience working outdoors a plus;
• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, leading, or environmental education preferred;
• Experience working in a team;
• Open to learning new skills;
• Communication.

40 per week

No housing provided;
Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position;
Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview.

Bi‑weekly pay at $900/weekly salary; $45/month cell phone stipend.

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

• Defensive Drive Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Wilderness First Aid Training

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.