Urban Green

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C&O Canal National Historic Park Towpath Crew Member - Oldtown, MD

Position Summary

This crew, based at the Oldtown Maintenance Shop in Oldtown, MD, will support C&O Canal maintenance staff with daily tasks along the towpath. Members will remove vegetation from historic stone structures such as culverts, locks, flumes, and walls, as well as assist with removing fallen trees. The crew, composed of two members, will work under an SCA crew leader alongside NPS partners and staff. Opportunities may include supporting carpentry, masonry, and GIS mapping projects, as well as earning chainsaw certification if NPS capacity allows. Basic First Aid and CPR training will be provided if needed. Successful completion may qualify members for Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority, granting eligibility for federal merit-based job openings for two years.

Schedule

August 18, October 31, 2025

Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 2:00 pm (8-hour workdays, 40-hour work weeks)

Schedule subject to change as directed by SCA or NPS.

6:00 am – Report to shop receive work assignment

6:00 am – 11:00 am – Project work

11:00 am – 11:30 am – Lunch break

11:30 am – 1:30 pm – Continue project work

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Wrap project work, clean-up worksite, team debrief workday

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Participate in outdoor conservation field work and nature stewardship education; Work collaboratively with team members and SCA partners and staff completing designated work projects; Learn and develop skills in vegetation removal, mower use, power tools use, plant ID, and forest health; Participate in career builder activities and National Park Service trainings

Marginal Duties

Participate in nature stewardship education learning activities; Letter of Reflection; Complete feedback surveys; Participate in professional development sessions like career panels, SMART Goal planning, and Leave No Trace training

Initial trainings will be held for all types of service activities: AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy; AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination; Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc.; SCA Professional Development; Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Positive Workplace; Risk Management 101; Other training opportunities when available

Required Qualifications

Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must be a minimum of 18 years of age; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards; Must be able to select Saturdays throughout the program season

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements;

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
• Being at least 18 years or older;
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

Optional benefit: This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. Participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger to be eligible for PLC Hiring Authority certificate. 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 a future Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in team a plus; Experience working outdoors a plus

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No housing provided; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview

Compensation

$600/weekly Living Allowance; 40-hour work weeks; bi-weekly pay

$385.72/monthly Housing Allowance; paid on the second pay period of the month

Eligibility for 300-hour AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service valued at $1,459.26

AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program

Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans

Access to a national network of professional resources and a peer group

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Transportation and Site Locations: Leader and members must provide their own transportation to and from the maintenance shop at the C&O Canal National Historical Park in the Oldtown area of Maryland. The address of the shop is 18907 Green Spring Rd SE, Oldtown, MD.

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driver Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.