Program Assistant, NH Conservation Corps

Position Description

Job Title: Program Assistant, NH Conservation Corps

Status: Full-Time, Temporary (March – November 2025)

Salary: $1,700 / bi-weekly

Location: Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, NH (lodging provided)

Conservation Begins Here.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks an experienced, quality oriented outdoor leader and kitchen coordinator to supervise, educate, and inspire the members of the New Hampshire Conservation Corps program based in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, NH.

Position Dates: March 10th –November 7th, 2025 (Dates are slightly flexible)

The SCA NH Conservation Corps Program Assistant plays a crucial role in the success of the program. This individual works closely with both the Trail & Program Operations Specialist and other staff to train, supervise, and support three field crews of corps members, and to assist with facilities and vehicle maintenance, as well as kitchen coordination and cooking.   

Supporting crews includes the completion of trail projects, habitat restoration, and visitor-use structure construction throughout New Hampshire.  SCA NH Corps crews use traditional trail skills, restoration techniques, carpentry skills, and physical labor to complete an array of projects while camping on 11-day hitches.  Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance, rock stairs, carpentry, bridge construction, invasive vegetation removal, and impacted site restoration.  The program works in partnership with New Hampshire State Parks and AmeriCorps. The Program Assistant is largely a field-based position spending approximately 60% of the time traveling during the Conservation Service Season to project sites.  The other 40% of the position is split between kitchen upkeep, food prep, and maintaining the NH Corps vehicles and facilities. 

Primary Responsibilities:

The SCA NH Conservation Corps Program Assistant plays a crucial role in the success of the program. This individual works closely with both the Trail & Program Operations Specialist and other staff to train, supervise, and support three field crews of corps members, and to assist with facilities and vehicle maintenance, as well as kitchen coordination and cooking.   

Supporting crews includes the completion of trail projects, habitat restoration, and visitor-use structure construction throughout New Hampshire.  SCA NH Corps crews use traditional trail skills, restoration techniques, carpentry skills, and physical labor to complete an array of projects while camping on 11-day hitches.  Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance, rock stairs, carpentry, bridge construction, invasive vegetation removal, and impacted site restoration.  The program works in partnership with New Hampshire State Parks and AmeriCorps. The Program Assistant is largely a field-based position spending approximately 60% of the time traveling during the Conservation Service Season to project sites.  The other 40% of the position is split between kitchen upkeep, food prep, and maintaining the NH Corps vehicles and facilities. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Kitchen Coordination

• Manage the program’s kitchen operations:
• Ordering and purchasing food for 30+ people, providing menus, cooking support and training for corps members, and cooking for 30+ people during onsite trainings.

Program Logistics

• Assist in the coordination and delivery of program orientations and trainings.
• Coordinate the maintenance and repairs for all facility systems as outlined in the memorandum of understanding agreed to by SCA and New Hampshire DNCR
• Ensure that program facilities meet all required state codes, safety reviews, and water tests are regularly conducted, and all “SCA Field Operating Standards” are adhered to.
• Coordinate the maintenance and safe operation of a fleet of program vehicles.

Conservation Crew Support

• Work with Trail & Program Operations Specialist to provide field-based supervision to field crews.
• Model the SCA mission and values to members, partners, and the public.
• Manage conservation projects, work outcomes, and crew dynamics.
• In conjunction with Project Leaders, facilitate team operations: tools & equipment, vehicles, work site management, and basecamp operations.
• Actively manage project/member risk by maintaining a safe work environment.
• Regular travel to work locations to support projects and camp with crews.

Program Administrator

• Assist with the completion of required program reporting and documentation.
• Assist in program purchasing and budget management and reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with all SCA Risk Management policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• 1-2 years prior experience in supervising young adults in an outdoor setting.
• Experience cooking for large groups.
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen standards and operation
• Strong communication, leadership skills, and strong work ethic are required.
• Self-starter, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with great time management skills.
• Previous trail construction experience and knowledge required.
• Ability to perform trail construction and maintenance work in both wilderness and non-wilderness settings carrying or lifting 50 pounds or more.
• Have a working knowledge of safely operating power and hand-tools.
• Experience with chainsaw, rigging/Griphoist, or carpentry a plus.
• First Aid and CPR certification required—or ability to get cert before the position begins.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
• Ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards.
• A valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards is required.
• Must have personal vehicle; mileage reimbursement available for work-related travel.

Compensation: 

• Private furnished room – rustic cabin with woodstove & electricity.
• Wi-fi access, garden space, short walk to program lodge with all amenities.
• Food provided (7-days a week), full access to a commercial kitchen.
• Optional health/vision/dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Free NH State Parks day use pass
• Trainings and professional development opportunities

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. It is firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.