Staff – Conservation & Field Specialist

Conservation Begins Here

Position Summary 

The Student Conservation Association provides an array of corps and crew programming across the country. The SCA ID Corps based in Salmon, ID, is a 5-month AmeriCorps program that trains 18 young adults in the skills of conservation and leadership through hands-on service at federal and state public lands throughout Idaho. The program has a strong partnership with the US Forest Service. It operates as an AmeriCorps program, allowing crew members to dedicate a term of service while gaining experience in the field. ID Corps is one of the programs in the SCA Pacific Northwest (PNW) Branch portfolio. This position is mainly dedicated to ID Corps and may also support other programming in the SCA PNW Branch. The Program Field Specialist is a full-time staff position.  The annual salary being offered for this position is $52,000. 

The Field Specialist position ensures the technical, logistical, and administrative tasks associated with the execution of SCA’s various programs in the ID Corps portfolio are completed. This person ensures Corps Members and Project Leaders are equipped for program delivery; comply with curriculum and AmeriCorps mandates, safety controls, logistical service/program delivery needs, and mandatory internal record-keeping and administrative requirements. This position reports to the Program Manager-PNW and has multiple direct reports at various levels of responsibility.  

The Program Field Specialist will serve in 6 broad areas:  

• Project planning and delivery 
• Training and skills development for program members, Project Leaders, and the Program Assistant including Trail Construction & Maintenance, Backcountry camping, Chainsaw Use and Maintenance, Rigging Equipment.  
• Tool & Equipment Cache management, budget accountability, and purchasing.  
• Member social and professional development.  
• Supervision and support of Project Leaders & Members 
• Maintenance, upkeep and minor repairs of the program’s federally owned residential facility.  

Roles and Responsibilities  

Program Planning & Delivery:  

Project Planning 

• Serve as the program’s primary liaison for service project logistics, tools, and materials procurement, and project details for a minimum of three teams serving concurrently at various locations throughout the state.  
• Actively assess project risk to ensure a safe work environment. 
• Schedule and manage rotating projects and respond to last-minute changes via clear and timely communication with all stakeholders. 
• Assure service projects are compliant with state conservation laws, permits, and reviews. 

In the Field:  

• Facilitate operations including; food planning, tools, equipment, and vehicles; 
• Serve as a technical adviser and project support in collaboration with the Program Manager.  
• Directly supervise the program’s Project Leaders and members  
• Monitor member’s activities to ensure compliance with safety, administrative, and curriculum guidelines.   
• Monitor and assess the quality & technique of the work performed to assure interventions meet partner and SCA standards.  
• Manage project service logs, assuring data integrity is maintained for reporting.  
• Review and approve direct reports timesheets within timelines set by SCA. 

Member Training & Development: 

• Assure members, Project Leaders, and Program Assistant are trained for the safe, proficient, and effective delivery of program service activities.  
• Promote leadership development within the team and complete scheduled formal evaluations. 
• Assist with SCA’s conservation service curriculum development and documentation. 

Tool & Equipment Cache: 

• Assure the program equipment cache is organized, secured, inventoried, and compliant with SCA and partner guidelines.  
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance of the program facilities in consultation with state park partners including plowing and snow removal. 

Responsible for modeling, facilitating, and building an inclusive community: 

• Lead programs in alignment with SCA Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and social and emotional development practices and SCA Core Values. 
• Participation in JEDI trainings and professional development opportunities. 
• Help recruit, select, and train members of BIPOC identifying and diverse backgrounds.

External Engagement:  

• Collaborate with program partners to develop and implement project plans and schedule and conduct project site visits. 
• Assist Program Manager in building relationships with community organizations and land partners on a local level. 
• Represent SCA at industry relevant conferences and events.  
• Role model SCA mission and values to program partners and the general public. 

Program Administration: 

• Assist Program Manager with administrative duties, such as financial reporting, tracking and coding program expenses. 
• Develop a tools and equipment purchase plan that aligns with the program Tool and Equipment budget line.  
• Facilitate the evaluation of Project Leaders and program members during the mid-season and end of program evaluation seasons.  
• Report, track and respond to incidents in accordance with SCA policies and procedures including serving as part of the emergency response call tree for the program.  
• Build and maintain relationships with Program alumni as directed;  
• Responsible for keeping abreast of internal policies and procedures and AmeriCorps requirements. 
• Assist Program Manager and Sr Program Manager in developing systems for ongoing program quality and improvement.  

Qualifications: 

• 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the skills related to the position 
• Ability to live in or near Salmon, ID during the program season, April through September. 
• Minimum of 21 years of age  
• Previous trail construction and maintenance experience required.  
• Experience using and maintaining chainsaws including training/certification such as Game of Logging, USFS Developing Thinking Sawyers. 
• Prior experience supervising young adults in an outdoor setting required.   
• Proven ability to organize and inventory large quantities of supplies and materials.  
• Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards.  
• Current Wilderness First Responder or higher/ CPR certification or ability to acquire certification.   
• Leave No Trace Master Educator preferred.   
• Griphoist/Rigging training and experience preferred.  
• Community organizing skills and strong capacity to work in a team.  
• Proven organizational and program development skills.  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including effective Microsoft Word, Excel and Internet experience.  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.  
• Proven ability to multi-task and troubleshoot in a dynamic work environment.  
• Attention to detail and follow through on administrative tasks. 

Travel Requirements 

• Excellent driving record and ability to drive in a variety of conditions.  
• The ability to travel for extended periods of time outside and over a variety of terrain. Including occasional overnight camping.  
• Must have a personal vehicle. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.