Conservation Corps - 2025 Summer CA State Parks Native Plant Team

Crew Member: 2025 Summer CA State Parks Team

Humboldt Redwood State Park

Conservation Begins Here.

Are you ready to serve in one of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in the Western U.S.? Do you want to make a tangible difference in our natural spaces and communities while learning skills to kickstart your conservation career? Join the Student Conservation Association (SCA) as a Crew Member for our 2025 Summer CA State Parks Team and embark on a journey that blends purpose with adventure.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - July 26, 2025 (10 weeks)

. Member Training: May 19, 2025 – May 31, 2025

. Crew Dates: June 1, 2025 – July 26, 2025

Why Join Us?

This isn't your average 9-to-5 job. As a Crew Member, you'll be part of a team working on invasive species removal projects in Humboldt Redwood State Park. Work with hand tools and herbicide applications while building a community with like-minded individuals.

Living and working outside will help you develop a unique relationship to the outdoor world. Share sunrises with giant trees and explore vast landscapes with your crew. Now is the perfect opportunity to dedicate your time and energy to a project that helps the planet and people.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Required Qualifications

. Must be 18 or older by the position start date;

. Must have the ability to legally work in the US;

. Ability to enroll in AmeriCorps Education Award Program;

. Ability to pass SCA background check;

. Must be able to attend Crew Member Training: 5/19/2025 – 5/31/2025

. Full engagement in all work projects and community activities;

. Must uphold project, crew community, basecamp, vehicle, and general safety standards;

. Commitment to teamwork, learning, and problem-solving;

. Ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions that will include extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, poison oak and precipitation;

. Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, hike 5 miles in a day and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more;

. Comfortable applying herbicide;

. Ability to carry backpack sprayer;

Preferred Qualifications

. Experience working outdoors;

. Experience using hand tools;

. Strong interpersonal skills and community living experience;

. For driver eligibility, must be over 21 years old, possess a valid driver's license for 3 years, a Motor Vehicle Record that meets SCA standards and complete SCA driver training;

Your Impact

Protect iconic landscapes – You'll play an important role support native plants by removing invasive species.

Create community – Create and maintain a cohesive community with other participants from across the country.

What We're Looking For

Crew members will develop skills that will make them good candidates for entry-level seasonal positions with land management agencies like the US Forest Service and the National Park Service. Work will involve physical exertion and be performed outdoors, in varying weather conditions. SCA is looking for members open to new experiences, willingness to perform physical labor and enthusiasm for sharing space with others. Experienced candidates will have a foundation in outdoor living (hiking, camping and backpacking) and experience working outside, but this is not a requirement. Eagerness to learn in challenging conditions, actively contributing to maintaining an inclusive community, and adaptability in dynamic work environments are equally important qualities we are seeking in candidates.

This crew will be removing invasive plants using hand tools and, under the guidance of State Park employees, applying herbicide via backpack sprayers and painting stumps. Participants will need to be comfortable with herbicide application.

Conservation work is unpredictable. Crews will have to navigate inclement weather, from working in areas with poison oak, to all day sun exposure. It is possible to experience thunderstorms, extreme winds, and smoke all within the same workday. The most successful teams are those who can adapt as challenges arise and continue to work effectively with their team.

Success hinges on understanding and addressing both personal and group needs. Participants must be fully invested in taking care of themselves and supporting their crew.

Western Trail Corps is a substance-free program. Consumption of alcohol is never permitted when on duty. This begins at the start of pre-hitch and ends once all post-hitch activities are completed. Marijuana and illegal substances are never permitted. Participants will adhere to this policy, along with other expectations set by SCA.

Why You'll Love This Job

Meaningful work: You'll be supporting an important ecosystem long after your crew ends.

. Skills for life: Learn conservation techniques, wilderness medicine skills, and how to build a cohesive, high-functioning team.

. Real connections: Create lifelong friendships with people who share your passion for the planet.

Benefits

. $650 one-time round-trip travel allowance (paid with first pay check)

. $400 weekly living allowance;

. AmeriCorps eligibility (300-hour award, $1,565.08 education award)

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

. Meals: Provided during fieldwork

. Gear: Group camping gear, like tents, stoves, and filters, are provided

Additional Benefits

. Wildlife Safety Training

. Conservation Work Skills Training

. Defensive Driver Training

. Wilderness First Aid Training

AmeriCorps Benefits

. Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

. Student Loan Forbearance for qualifying student loans

. Member Assistance Program – mental health service

Living Arrangements

The crew will have access to housing for most of their season. There may be some projects that will require overnight camping. Expect to be camping for part of the crew, including the training period. This means limited access to electricity, running water and showers at times.

Community chores such as preparing meals and washing dishes will be shared by members and leader. SCA will provide group gear such as tents, kitchen supplies (such as pots, pans, and stoves), and uniform items. Leaders and members will be expected to bring their personal items such as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, and mess kit. To support the crew's efforts, crews are issued an SCA vehicle and trailer for transportation and storage, and a field budget to purchase groceries, supplies, and fuel.

What Might the Season Look Like?

Service begins at Crew Member Training, where participants will gather with other corps teams to develop skills needed for the season. Training is field-based and will include a review of sustainable trail practices, tools for conflict management and proper basecamp setup. Staff will also share expectations on risk management in the field. A Wilderness First Aid course is offered to members during training.

Upon completion of Crew Member Training, the crew will travel to Humboldt Redwood State Park to begin their invasive species removal project. At the project site, the team will receive training from your agency partner on plant identification and different invasive plant management including the safe application of herbicide. Crews will wrap up in Ridgecrest, CA where they will derig, and leaders will review their season with staff.

Work Schedule

In general, participants should expect to work on their project for 80 hours within a two-week span. This is subject to change based upon programmatic and field-based needs. During the crew's project period, they will work 4 10-hour days with 3 days off. Training and derig will require different schedules. Members and leaders are expected to share community tasks, like cooking meals and shopping for food, outside of working hours.

Off-time activities vary from crew to crew. Some crews use off-time to explore surrounding areas, such as visiting local National Parks. Other crews curl up in a coffee shop to decompress. Some crews do a bit of both. Regardless of how your crew schedules rest, time off is an opportunity to recharge.

Join Us. Apply Today!

Ready to lead, learn, and make a difference?

Create a profile and submit your application through SCA's website

For questions, reach out to SCAWesternCorps@thesca.org

Let's build a better future—together. ?

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.