What are the responsibilities and job description for the Conservation Crew- 2026 Yosemite Wilderness Crew position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
The Yosemite SCA Wilderness Crew is a roving Ecological Restoration crew that hikes throughout the Yosemite Wilderness restoring inappropriately located campsites, social trails and trail ruts as well as removing non-native invasive plants.
Yosemite has shifted to this type of crew thanks to the effectiveness of past restoration efforts and the belief that roving crews have less impact on the land. Think of yourselves as a Leave No Trace Wilderness Restoration Crew. The best ecological restoration work is that which can’t be noticed. This is a very physically challenging program given that the opportunity for flat hiking in Yosemite is extremely limited.
In general, there seems to be more up than down around here! The goal of the project is to facilitate the return of natural processes in areas affected by human caused impacts such as encroaching non-native plants, inappropriately located campsites or braided trails.
The Yosemite National Park wilderness crew will work on a multi-faceted project emphasizing the three components of Yosemite’s Wilderness Restoration Program:
- Removal and ecological restoration of inappropriate campsites
- Removal of invasive non-native plants
- Obstruction and ecological restoration of parallel trails and social trails.
Crew members will have the opportunity for a post-service visit to Yosemite Valley where they will participate in a career awareness session with NPS Staff, take an art class, have an astronomy talk, and ride bikes throughout the beautiful valley.
Gear, including backpacks, tents, and food are provided if needed. Boots can be made available, but SCA recommends purchasing these on your own and can provide recommendations.
The team will consist of 3-4 high school aged members, 1 senior member, and 1 leader.
Location
Bay Area, CA
Schedule
June 24th time TBD - Virtual Team Orientation
June 29, 2026- July 1, 2026 (dates subject to change within this week) - Prep Backpacking Trip in Bay Area
July 6, 2026 - July 29, 2026 - Yosemite Backcountry Service
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Removal and ecological restoration of inappropriate campsites
- Removal of invasive non-native plants
- Obstruction and ecological restoration of parallel trails and social trails.
- Placement of obstructions in trail ruts
- Fire–ring and charcoal dispersal
- Obstruction of the site through the placement of logs and rocks
- Decompaction of the soil in campsites or trail ruts and the placement of locally generated organic material.
- Preparing meals and supporting camp set up and take down
Marginal Duties
- Completing assessments and evaluations
- Pre-service surveys and providing a bio with a picture
Required Qualifications
- High School Aged Youth
- Bay Area resident
- Available for all program dates as listed
- Must be physically capable of performing field work common to the assigned work area over rough terrain and during inclement weather
- Willingness to camp/backpack for 3 weeks
- Experience or interest with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, camping, landscaping, and gardening
- Must have the ability to legally work in the US
Preferred Qualifications
- Camping, hiking, and/or backpacking experience
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Backcountry
Compensation
$680/week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
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.