Individual Placement - Maintenance & Facility Management at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Position Summary

The SCA Refuge Maintenance Specialist will assist the Refuge with a variety of projects that support daily refuge operations, visitor access, habitat stewardship, and facility maintenance while providing the candidate with valuable career experience in public lands management. Activities include but are not limited to: performing trail and boardwalk maintenance, assisting with groundskeeping and landscaping projects, supporting facility repairs and upkeep, operating hand and power tools safely, maintaining equipment and storage areas, assisting with habitat restoration projects, and supporting refuge events and operations. The candidate will gain hands-on experience in maintaining public use facilities, supporting conservation infrastructure, and assisting Refuge staff with projects that improve visitor experiences and protect natural resources. These experiential learning opportunities will be hands-on, engaging, and will utilize resources throughout the Refuge. The duties of this position will support Refuge goals through maintaining facilities, improving visitor access, supporting habitat management efforts, and assisting with operational needs across the Refuge.

Hosting Organization

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Schedule

October 5, 2026 - July 9, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Marginal Duties

• Assist biology and visitor services teams with habitat restoration and public events.
• Support volunteer workdays and community engagement activities.
• Assist with offsite community stewardship projects.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Have experience working outdoors and performing physical labor.
• Safely lift and carry equipment, tools, and materials.
• Work effectively in a variety of weather conditions.
• Submit a current resume as part of the application.
• Meet eligibility requirements under the Public Land Corps Authority:

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 with maintenance, landscaping, trail work, carpentry, construction, groundskeeping, or equipment operation.
• Demonstrate familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.
• Work effectively in outdoor, team-oriented environments.
• Show an interest in conservation, public lands, and facilities management.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

shared living bunkhouse available for a fee but member is also able to find their own living accommodations.

Compensation

living allowance of $700/week, a housing allowance of $750/month, a relocation allowance of $1,100 (paid once),

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training

Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.