Merck Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

This program is a regional camping based adventure at Merck Forest and Farmland in Rupert, Vermont. The program will be focused on sustainable trail management and maintenance, agriculture and farming. Crew members and leaders will work with farm animals and support the working farm. This is a one of a kind opportunity and the chance to experience camping, hiking and working within Merck Forest and Farmland.

Hosting Organization

Merck Forest and Farmland Center

Location

Rupert, VT

Schedule

August 17, 2026 - August 30, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all daily activities, ensuring participation and engagement
• Ensure safety at all times, including proper tool use, risk management, and emergency response
• Teach and model stewardship skills and environmental ethics
• Manage camp operations (schedule, meals, logistics, group flow)
• Support youth development through mentorship, conflict resolution, and positive behavior guidance
• Maintain clear communication with participants, co-leaders, and program staff
• Uphold program policies and create a safe, inclusive environment

Marginal Duties

• Complete daily logs or brief reports on activities and incidents
• Take photos or help document the program (as appropriate)
• Assist with gear tracking, inventory, and supply management
• Support communication with partners or site hosts
• Help coordinate transportation or end-of-day logistics
• Step in to cover group needs as situations arise

Required Qualifications

• 21+
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications

• Camping
• Youth Development Experience

Leader Responsibilities

• Understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. .
• Wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.
• Cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• Create an appropriate learning environment for members to learn new skills and develop healthy relationships.
• Facilitate group processes including group decision-making, hazard analyses, conflict management.
• Communicate with program supervisor regarding crew, equipment, and programmatic needs.
• Assess members' skill level, reliability, and judgment in order to adjust supervision level according to the progress of the crew.
• Comprehend and uphold all SCA Policies and Procedures throughout the position after successfully completing all SCA Leader online and in-person trainings.
• Respond appropriately and in line with SCA incident management protocols in times of high stress, such as when encountering large and/or potentially hazardous animals, severe weather, medical emergency, or other incident.
• Complete various administrative tasks including managing a budget, arranging accommodations, retaining receipts and reconciling purchases, communicating with agency contact, etc., as applicable to the position.
• Provide evidence of all required certifications.
• Independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
• Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
• Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
• Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Camping in SCA provided equipment and or Merck Forest and Farmland Center rustic cabins.

Compensation

• $950.00/week
• $45.00/month cell phone reimbursement

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

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.