Field Leader - Connecticut Habitat Restoration Crew

Land Stewardship Crew Leader

This project supports land stewardship, habitat restoration, and boundary management efforts through hands-on fieldwork. Crew members will conduct vegetation removal, invasive species management, and trail maintenance using hand tools, power equipment, and GPS technology to document and maintain project sites. Work includes surveying and clearing property boundaries, installing boundary markers, and removing debris or outdated infrastructure. Crews will also support habitat restoration by planting native vegetation, spreading pollinator seed, and implementing erosion control measures. These activities contribute directly to fish and wildlife management goals while maintaining safe, accessible, and well-delineated public lands.

Location(s): Thomaston, CT

Training Dates: June 5, 2026- June 16, 2026

Service Interruption: June 17, 2026- July 26, 2026

Program Dates: July 27, 2026- September 25, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities: The Crew Leader will lead and participate in all field-based conservation activities, including vegetation removal, invasive species management, trail maintenance, boundary clearing, and habitat restoration. In addition to performing the same physical and technical work as crew members, the Leader will oversee daily operations, ensure safe tool and equipment use, and support crew productivity and morale. The Crew Leader is responsible for coordinating work activities with site partner staff and maintaining regular communication with SCA staff. They will submit accurate and timely work output logs documenting project progress, accomplishments, and challenges, and will promptly report any incidents, injuries, or safety concerns that occur in the field. The Leader will operate and be responsible for a program fleet vehicle and must be comfortable driving a full-size pickup truck while transporting crew members, tools, and equipment. They will assist with planning daily work tasks, adapting to changing site conditions, and ensuring projects are completed according to goals and timelines. The Crew Leader will also support technical aspects of project work, including GPS data collection, boundary documentation, and invasive species mapping. Preferred qualifications include chainsaw certification, GIS experience, and the ability to identify native and invasive plant species, which will be used to guide field decisions and provide mentorship to crew members.

Marginal Duties: Participate in required trainings, safety briefings, and professional development activities. Assist with basic maintenance, cleaning, inventory, and storage of tools, equipment, and vehicles. Support administrative tasks such as submitting timesheets, completing incident reports, and assisting with documentation beyond required work output logs. Travel to and from project sites and assist with logistics, including loading, unloading, and staging tools and materials. Serve as a professional representative of the program when interacting with partners, land managers, and members of the public. Provide informal mentoring and support to crew members, promoting teamwork, accountability, and safe work practices. Adapt work plans in response to weather, site conditions, staffing changes, or partner needs. Perform other related duties as assigned to support program operations and project success.

Required Qualifications: Must be 21+ years of age. Must wear required attire by SCA while on duty. Must possess and maintain valid driver's license. Possess excellent verbal and written communications skills. Physical ability to navigate roads and park areas, as well as trails and wooded areas, lift 50 lbs. and carry 50 lb. object 25 feet. Position may require extended periods outdoors during adverse conditions such as heat, cold or rain.

Preferred Qualifications: First Aid and CPR certification Chainsaw operation Landscaping/yard work experience Previous experience with boundary and/or survey work GIS experience Basic hand tool skills Invasive species identification

Hours: 40 per week

Living Accommodations: This is a non-residential program. Leaders are expected to secure their own transportation to an from the work site each day.

Compensation: $950.00/week. $45.00/month cell phone reimbursement

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

Additional Benefits: First Aid/CPR

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.