Forest and Conservation Worker jobs in South Dakota

Dates: June 3 - August 23, 2024 (2 weeks training, 10 weeks field work)

If you're someone who loves being a part of a team, is seeking a new challenge, is flexible, and has a passion for travel, we invite you to apply for this team! Join this roving corps team totake on a variety of different projects at National Park Service (NPS) sites across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska.

Program Summary:

This team's main tasks will vary as they travel from site to site. Team members should expect to be flexible and mobile as they will travel to a new site every 2-4 weeks. Projects may include, but are not limited to, performing trail work, improving visitor access in parking areas, andbuilding and repairing stairs.

SCA will provide all necessary support services, crew leadership, transportation, personal safety equipment, and other standard materials/supplies necessary to perform the work.

Program starts with SCA Orientation, first aid training, and basic skills training (trails, tools, camping). Training may take place at a separate location alongside other SCA teams. During the season, teams typically work 8-10 hour days (40 hours a week) with weekends off. Teams are encouraged to seek out personal and professional development opportunities during the course of their season.

SCA will provide a team vehicle throughout the season for the team to travel from site to site and to worksites each day. Members may bring their personal vehicles for use during off-time and weekends. Please note that personal vehicles, and their transport from site to site, are the responsibility of the team member.

Housing/Camping:

The team will stay at campsites and in housing rented by SCA. Team members may share rooms and common spaces (kitchen, bathrooms) in housing. SCA will provide tents and camp kitchen for team members while they are camping.

PrimaryResponsibilities:

• Engage as acrew member to promote healthy group dynamics, and promote effective and productiveteamwork;
• Work variable hours (long days and/or weekend), at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in varying weather conditions, and under physically demanding circumstances;
• Use technical equipment such as hand or power tools

Strong candidates will have the following knowledge, skills, experience:

• Experience working in an outdoor setting;
• Coursework or degree inenvironmental science, or similar natural resource field;
• Experience operating various types of forestry equipment in a safe and efficient manner (hand tools,backpack sprayers, two-way radio, etc.);
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s);
• Positive communication skills and ability to work with a team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and motor vehicle record (MVR) that meets SCA standards required;
• Interest inserving alongsideand supportingothers on a team;
• Be a minimum of 18 years of age;
• Have ability to legally work in the US;
• Meet SCA's criminal background check standards;
• Ability to lift40 pounds andindependently travel 2 miles over varied terrain while carrying a 40-pound pack without assistance;
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor in a variety of outdoor conditions for up to 8-10 hours per day;
• Willingness to camp for minimum14 consecutive nights;
• Willingness to complete some project paperwork including project reports, output logs, and inventories;
• With training, ability to use hand tools and power tools to complete assigned work projects.

Team Member Benefits:

• $300/week living allowance (paid bi-weekly)*
• One-time travel allowance ($650)*
• Field-based meals
• Housing (camping atcampgrounds and rented housing/hotels)
• SCA member orientation, wilderness medicine and trail work skills trainings
• Eligibilityfor$1,824AmeriCorps Education Award*

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

For SCA's COVID guidance, please refer towww.thesca.org/covid.