Conservation Communication Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AmeriCorps National Direct Position Description

George Washington Memorial Parkway Fall AmeriCorps Trail Crew

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

This position is part of SCA's National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18-24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria.

As a member of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) Young Adult AmeriCorps Trail Crew, you'll serve on a team of 4 young adults, conducting hands-on conservation projects focused on trail maintenance and improvement. Projects will include designing and constructing a timber staircase to improve trail accessibility; repairing and installing retaining walls to address drainage and erosion issues; and repairing and installing split-rail fencing. Secondary projects may include bridge and boardwalk repairs, as time allows.

Service will mostly be outdoors and will sometimes require heavy lifting (~50 lbs) and using equipment such as hand tools and power tools. Team members will be supervised in the field by an experienced SCA Crew Leader. All team members are expected to be respectful, on-time, hardworking, and aware of conditions to ensure a safe service environment.

Member Impact

Members will make a real, hands-on difference for the park and its visitors by restoring and caring for important trails. Along the way, members gain practical field experience, earn nationally recognized certifications, and build valuable professional skills. The program helps young adults explore and launch careers in natural resource management, opening doors to future leadership roles and jobs with federal, state, local, and nonprofit conservation partners.

Schedule

September 7, 2026 - October 30, 2026

Hours

Monday through Friday (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)

A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.

Service Location

Reports to: GWMP Maintenance Shop (2700 George Washington Mem Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202). Metro pickup from Crystal City Metro stop is also available for Members.

Immediate Supervisor/Title

Katy Swiere, DC Metro Program Manager

AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement

300 hours required for AmeriCorps award eligibility

Essential Functions

• Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required.
• Commitment to serving as a productive team member; demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.
• Commitment to service in environmental conditions that may include high heat, cold, high winds, and precipitation.
• Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
• Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
• The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.

Marginal Functions

• Complete feedback surveys
• Participate in professional development and training activities
• Assists with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials

Required Qualifications

Emotional and Intellectual Requirements:

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and members;
• Function as part of a team;
• Understand verbal and/or written communication;
• Must be dependable, flexible, and cooperative;
• Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand without prompting;
• Accepting of leadership and supervisory authority; and
• Completes tasks appropriately and in a timely manner.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs, and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 1 mile.
• Hike up to 5 miles, often while carrying a backpack, tools, and equipment
• Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions including high heat, cold, rain
• Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program, and if you are selected, you will be serving as anSCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

Being at least 18 years or older;

Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;

Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

Preferred Qualifications

Carpentry and landscaping skills are a plus.

• Experience working on a team is preferred.
• Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities is preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field is preferred.

Commitment Required

The program's term of service is an 8 week (300 hour) commitment that will last September 7th, 2026 through October 30, 2026.

Members will serve 40 hours per week, not including mandatory 30 minute lunch break.

Living Accommodations

No living accommodations are provided through this position; candidates must live locally or secure their own housing accommodation.

Personal Vehicle Requirement

Personal vehicle is not required for this position.

Compensation

• Living allowance - $600/week; Housing allowance - $600/month (bi-weekly pay schedule)
• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $1,565.08
• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans

Training and Additional Benefits

• Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours
• AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Workforce Development & Job Readiness (Regular, interactive trainings monthly)

Service Conditions

Service is performed primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. Service schedules and projects may change on short notice.Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives. Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110F or hotter.; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.