About this role
Position Summary
Placement will serve in Juneau, AK with the Tongass National Forest, Juneau Ranger District to help maintain trails on the district. The placement will work with Forest Service staff on various projects throughout the trail system. Placements should be prepared to fly, boat, travel by train, but mostly drive and hike to work sites on a regular basis. The position requires being outdoors in a cool, wet environment each day as well as daily hiking, lifting, and carrying heavy loads. There isn't any computer work involved in this position.
Location
Juneau, AK
Schedule
May 4, 2026 - August 22, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Work typically involves hiking with a heavy pack and carrying and using hand and power tools. Trail maintenance typically consists of clearing brush, digging drainage ditches, constructing tread using native materials as well as milled lumber and gravel, constructing and/or repairing bridges, and may involve working around heavy equipment.
Work schedule is typically 10-hour days beginning at 7am, M-Th, but will be flexible and include some 8-day work hitches followed by 6 days off. Trail maintenance projects may involve extended stays at remote cabins.
Marginal Duties
Placement may be asked on occasion to assist developed recreation program in maintaining day use sites, bathrooms and campgrounds.
Required Qualifications
The work requires flexibility to adapt to various situations that may arise. Safety is always a priority within the scope of work. The placement will read and sign a Job Hazard Analysis for each activity. The placement will work with a Forest Service crew leader for more complex projects but will also work independently once comfortable with basic day-to-day tasks.
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
Experience working with hand tools.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
The placement will be housed at the Juneau Ranger District bunkhouse but may also be housed during work trips in public use cabins. Work schedules and assignments will vary depending on environmental conditions and specific projects available. The bunkhouse consists of two-bedroom units with each bedroom shared between two employees.
Compensation
$450/week living allowance
$1500 one-time roundtrip travel stipend
$1700 duty-related reimbursements ($200 for Personal Protective Equipment; $1500 for gear and in-season travel)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Bear Safety
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
Other facts
About Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
What you'll do
- The placement will assist in maintaining trails within the Tongass National Forest, working on various projects that include clearing brush and constructing tread. The role involves hiking with heavy packs and using hand and power tools for trail maintenance.
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