Individual Placement - Maintenance & Facility Management at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

SCA Refuge Maintenance Specialist

The SCA Refuge Maintenance Specialist will assist the Refuge with a variety of projects that support daily refuge operations, visitor access, habitat stewardship, and facility maintenance while providing the candidate with valuable career experience in public lands management. Activities include but are not limited to: performing trail and boardwalk maintenance, assisting with groundskeeping and landscaping projects, supporting facility repairs and upkeep, operating hand and power tools safely, maintaining equipment and storage areas, assisting with habitat restoration projects, and supporting refuge events and operations. The candidate will gain hands-on experience in maintaining public use facilities, supporting conservation infrastructure, and assisting Refuge staff with projects that improve visitor experiences and protect natural resources. These experiential learning opportunities will be hands-on, engaging, and will utilize resources throughout the Refuge. The duties of this position will support Refuge goals through maintaining facilities, improving visitor access, supporting habitat management efforts, and assisting with operational needs across the Refuge.

Hosting Organization: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Schedule: October 5, 2026 - July 9, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform trail, boardwalk, and fence maintenance.
• Assist with groundskeeping, including mowing, trimming, landscaping, and invasive plant removal.
• Support maintenance and repair of Refuge facilities, buildings, kiosks, signs, and public use areas.
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment safely.
• Assist with habitat restoration projects, including planting native vegetation and maintaining pollinator and wetland areas.
• Support daily Refuge operations and prepare for public programs and special events.
• Maintain equipment storage areas and workspaces.
• Assist with trash removal, custodial tasks, and upkeep of visitor access areas.
• Collaborate with Refuge staff, volunteers, and community partners on maintenance and stewardship projects.

Marginal Duties:

• Assist biology and visitor services teams with habitat restoration and public events.
• Support volunteer workdays and community engagement activities.
• Assist with offsite community stewardship projects.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Have experience working outdoors and performing physical labor.
• Safely lift and carry equipment, tools, and materials.
• Work effectively in a variety of weather conditions.
• Submit a current resume as part of the application.
• Meet eligibility requirements under the Public Land Corps Authority:

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 with maintenance, landscaping, trail work, carpentry, construction, groundskeeping, or equipment operation.
• Demonstrate familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.
• Work effectively in outdoor, team-oriented environments.
• Show an interest in conservation, public lands, and facilities management.

Hours: 40 per week

Living Accommodations: shared living bunkhouse available for a fee but member is also able to find their own living accommodations.

Compensation: living allowance of $700/week, a housing allowance of $750/month, a relocation allowance of $1,100 (paid once)

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

Personal Vehicle Information: Required

Additional Benefits:

• Defensive Driving Training
• Leave No Trace Master Educator Certification
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• Health Insurance
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement: SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.