Position Summary
Arapaho National Forest, Clear Creek Ranger District is seeking a skilled, highly motivated crew lead to help protect and manage travel/transportation and dispersed Rec. The position will have the opportunity to learn a variety of skillsets related to management of recreational resources.
Location
Idaho Springs, CO
Schedule
May 26, 2026 – November 7, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
SCA crew leader will work in conjunction with Recreation staff and possible seasonal patrolling of forest areas including assistance with public education for resource management purposes.
Assist in Maintenance of forest improvements in developed and dispersed recreation sites. Constructs and/or maintains signs and gates.
Assists in the maintenance of signs in developed sites and general forest areas including alongside roads.
This work will involve extensive driving but also hiking in variable weather conditions.
The work will also require removal of fallen trees, rocks and saturated garbage.
Special projects may range from gate installations/repair to sign construction, installation, and repair work of sites.
Prior construction skills are needed but not required for this position. This is an opportunity to see much of the Ranger District and get to know the lay of the land.
May also work on other priority work including trails and wilderness patrols or needs in the Arapaho National Forest.
Marginal Duties
Development of ArcGIS online maps for field use; Management of online data; assisting other programs such as Developed Recreation, Off-Highway Vehicle, Trails, and/or Special Uses programs as needed.
Required Qualifications
• Ability to conduct strenuous field work and carry heavy loads over rugged terrain
• Valid Driver’s License. Must be able to drive 4×4 trucks on forest roads.
• Work in burned areas and carry out duties in steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas.
• Backcountry hiking/camping experience.
• Experience with making public contacts
• Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff
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
Chainsaw and crosscut, CPR/ First aid
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Government housing may be available. Rates vary across Districts and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost.
Placements will share small furnished government houses with other placements or government employees. Houses consist of 2 or 3 small bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Placements will be assigned a house with other placements or government employees of the same gender, and each person may have their own bedroom. Laundry is available on site. Most cellphone service carriers cover the area around the Work Center.
Compensation
• Living Allowance – $750/week
• One-time Travel Allowance – $1,500
• Housing Allowance – $400/month
• Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off)
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
First Aid/CPR
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
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