Conservation Corps - 2026 Adirondack Winter Corps Crew Member

Summary

Position Summary

Live and serve on a team of 3 motivated conservationists performing critical outdoor and indoor conservation and infrastructure projects. As a member of the Adirondacks Winter team, you will use a combination of traditional and modern conservation tools and practices to perform; trail maintenance, carpentry/ infrastructure projects, and campsite rehabilitation. Much of this work, by nature, will take place outdoors, and members (with SCA support) should be prepared to work in snowy, subfreezing conditions. During weeks when winter weather restricts outdoor work, members will learn carpentry, tool maintenance, and other traditional skills in the carpentry shop located at Whitney HQ.

Location

Long Lake, NY

This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

November 2, 2026 - February 26, 2027

Compensation

• $600 weekly stipend and 450 Hour AmeriCorps Education Award (TBD 2027 Value)
• Housing provided
• $150 winter hiking boot stipend

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

Training Opportunities May Include

• Chainsaw Safety and Use (Game of Logging)
• Snowmobile Safety Training (Project Dependent)
• Basic Rigging (Project Dependent)
• Crew Leadership and Community Building
• Project and Risk Management

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete a variety of conservation projects in outdoor and indoor environments;
  • Trail brushing and blowdown removal;
  • Trail maintenance as weather allows;
  • Carpentry projects for DEC recreation areas;
• Work 8-10 hour days performing physical labor in potentially challenging settings;
• Hike up to 10 miles per day.

Marginal Duties

• Lead your peers by learning project management skills, assessing and communicating job hazards, and upholding SCA's safety standards;
• Use industry standards to collect and record field data;
• Drive an SCA work vehicle to various project sites and trailheads throughout the Adirondacks;
• Develop skills to professionally interface with the public and to personally foster community;
• Maintain historical DEC housing and Headquarters

Qualifications

• Must have the ability to legally work in the US
• Ability to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
• Desire and ability to work in outdoor winter weather conditions
• Commit to working and living in small crew environment
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds or more, and potentially hike up to 10 miles per day
• Chainsaw training and use dependent on candidate having an active Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills (i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction & maintenance, chainsaw, carpentry)
• Preferred: conservation corps experience, SCA driver eligible

Hours

40+ per week

Living Accommodations

Housing provided.

Members will have their own room in a shared house with other SCA members when not in the field on projects. Camping in tents in remote backcountry settings for 5 days or from front country basecamps depending upon project when in the field (weather permitting). Housing has limited cell service and no Wi-Fi (limited Wi-Fi is available in the SCA office building on location). Long Lake and Tupper Lake are the two closest towns to the program site, and offer grocery stores, library, Wi-Fi, and a laundromat.

Personal Vehicle Information

Personal AWD or 4WD vehicle recommended due to remote location and winter conditions.

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.

Job Description

Position Summary

Live and serve on a team of 3 motivated conservationists performing critical outdoor and indoor conservation and infrastructure projects. As a member of the Adirondacks Winter team, you will use a combination of traditional and modern conservation tools and practices to perform; trail maintenance, carpentry/ infrastructure projects, and campsite rehabilitation. Much of this work, by nature, will take place outdoors, and members (with SCA support) should be prepared to work in snowy, subfreezing conditions. During weeks when winter weather restricts outdoor work, members will learn carpentry, tool maintenance, and other traditional skills in the carpentry shop located at Whitney HQ.

Location

Long Lake, NY

This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

November 2, 2026 - February 26, 2027

Compensation

• $600 weekly stipend and 450 Hour AmeriCorps Education Award (TBD 2027 Value)
• Housing provided
• $150 winter hiking boot stipend

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

Training Opportunities May Include

• Chainsaw Safety and Use (Game of Logging)
• Snowmobile Safety Training (Project Dependent)
• Basic Rigging (Project Dependent)
• Crew Leadership and Community Building
• Project and Risk Management

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete a variety of conservation projects in outdoor and indoor environments;
  • Trail brushing and blowdown removal;
  • Trail maintenance as weather allows;
  • Carpentry projects for DEC recreation areas;
• Work 8-10 hour days performing physical labor in potentially challenging settings;
• Hike up to 10 miles per day.

Marginal Duties

• Lead your peers by learning project management skills, assessing and communicating job hazards, and upholding SCA's safety standards;
• Use industry standards to collect and record field data;
• Drive an SCA work vehicle to various project sites and trailheads throughout the Adirondacks;
• Develop skills to professionally interface with the public and to personally foster community;
• Maintain historical DEC housing and Headquarters

Qualifications

• Must have the ability to legally work in the US
• Ability to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
• Desire and ability to work in outdoor winter weather conditions
• Commit to working and living in small crew environment
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements, occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds or more, and potentially hike up to 10 miles per day
• Chainsaw training and use dependent on candidate having an active Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills (i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction & maintenance, chainsaw, carpentry)
• Preferred: conservation corps experience, SCA driver eligible

Hours

40+ per week

Living Accommodations

Housing provided.

Members will have their own room in a shared house with other SCA members when not in the field on projects. Camping in tents in remote backcountry settings for 5 days or from front country basecamps depending upon project when in the field (weather permitting). Housing has limited cell service and no Wi-Fi (limited Wi-Fi is available in the SCA office building on location). Long Lake and Tupper Lake are the two closest towns to the program site, and offer grocery stores, library, Wi-Fi, and a laundromat.

Personal Vehicle Information

Personal AWD or 4WD vehicle recommended due to remote location and winter conditions.

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.