Field Leader - C&O Canal National Historic Park Oldtown Crew

Position Summary 

This crew, based at the Oldtown Maintenance Shop in Oldtown, 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. As NPS capacity allows, opportunities may include earning chainsaw certification, masonry projects, and carpentry projects. 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.

Location 

Oldtown, MD

Schedule  

Position Dates: May 11, 2026 – September 4, 2026 

Alternating A/B Week Schedule 

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

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

Schedule subject to change as directed by SCA or NPS. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• 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

Marginal Duties 

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.

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Valid driver’s license for 3 years and pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards
• Willing to perform manual, physical labor for up to 9 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
• US Work Authorization
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications 

• 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

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

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

Compensation  

• $900/weekly salary paid bi-weekly
• $45/month cell phone stipend

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

Additional Benefits 

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

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.