2024 Summer Sequoia National Forest Trail Corps Member

Sequioa National Forest Backcountry Crews:

Position Dates: May 13, 2024 - August 17, 2024

Location: Sacramento, CA

Overview:
Embark on an epic journey as a Corps Member for the SCA 2024 Summer Sequoia National Forest Trail Corps. This immersive program invites you to join a 4-6 person team and venture into the heart of breathtaking landscapes, from alpine lakes to sequoia groves and desert flats. No prior experience is needed – just a passion for conservation, a love for the outdoors, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

What You'll Do:
Wildfires have ravaged the Sierra Nevada Mountains over the last several years and access to outdoor spaces because many of the trails have been burned over and are in dire need of repair. As a Corps Member, you'll play a pivotal role in critical trail projects, contributing to the restoration of paths that may not have seen maintenance in years. Your tasks may include rerouting or building new trails, cutting back encroaching brush, installing erosion control structures, reestablishing walking surfaces, building structures like retaining walls, and removing fallen trees. Your efforts will leave a lasting impact on the environment and ensure these natural wonders are accessible for generations to come.

Living the Trail Life:

Get ready for a unique experience where you'll camp in both front country and backcountry settings, carrying in all the essentials for your 8–10-day work hitches. Be prepared to live without the comforts of electricity, running water, and cell phone reception while fully embracing the camaraderie of your crew. On non-workdays, relocate to a front country campground with access to amenities like electricity, running water, and showers. Shared access to an SCA vehicle enhances your mobility on off days.

Member Benefits:

• $650 one-time round-trip travel allowance
• $300 weekly living allowance
• AmeriCorps eligibility (450-hour award, education award)
• Professional Development Opportunities: Wilderness First Aid, SCA Trail Building Workshop

Qualifications:

• Passion for the outdoors and commitment to intensive crew living
• Willingness to engage in manual labor in all weather conditions
• Desire to make a positive impact on the environment
• Preferred: Backpacking experience, community service experience, valid driver's license with a clean motor vehicle record, and a taste for community living

Member Responsibilities:

• Complete project tasks as assigned; whether it is trimming back brush from the trail, working with your team to move a large rock, or doing dishes. Full engagement is expected in all work projects and community activities.
• Assist the Project Leader with meal planning, developing emergency response plans, and completing logistical tasks.
• Recording work totals and creating reports for agency partners.
• Interfacing with general public and partner organizations in a manner that reflects positively upon the crew, organization, and agency.

For more information on what past crews have done and what being on a Corps team is like, check out some of these final reports from similar crews.
Sequoia National Forest Trail Corps Final Report

Your Impact:
This is more than a summer job; it's an opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to conservation and personal growth. You'll not only develop technical skills in trail work but also cultivate soft skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership. Your engagement will extend beyond the trails – from assisting with meal planning to interfacing with the public and partner organizations, you'll be an integral part of the Corps experience.

Join Us: If you're ready to swap a traditional summer job for an adventure-packed conservation journey, apply now and be part of the SCA 2024 Summer Sierra Nevada Mountains Trail Corps - where your passion for the outdoors meets purpose. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.