Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), and CorpsTHAT, is seeking Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing high school-aged students to join the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps offers paid work experience, hands-on skill development, and educational opportunities. Crew members will join a team of peers to complete conservation and infrastructure projects on Pennsylvania's public lands. Throughout the season, members will also participate in education and training activities related to resource management, environmental education, and recreation.

Position Details

Location: Pittsburgh, PA - Western PA School for the Deaf (WPSD)

Program Dates: Monday, June 29 - Friday, August 7, 2026

Weekly Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

• Crew will have the option to engage in recreational weekend enrichment activites with local Deaf educators and leaders.

Compensation

$17.31/hr (pre-tax) paid biweekly.

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

Hours—37.5 hr/week

• In the event of inclement or dangerous weather, the crew may be called off for an unpaid day to ensure the safety of all participants until the threat passes.

Participant Eligibility

• Must be Deaf or hard of hearing
• Must be a current, or recently graduated, high school student at the start of the position
• Must be a current PA resident
• Must be available for the full duration of the session
• Must have housing in or near the program city
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the crew meeting location
• Must successfully complete all Onboarding requirements and be field-approved by SCA staff
• Must have the ability to model safe, respectful, and professional behavior at all times
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor in outdoor environments, exposed to the elements, alongside a team under the supervision of adult crew leaders.

Member Expectations

• Able to commit to the full duration of the program (3 absences permitted)
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under variable daily routines and environmental conditions
• Able to arrive on time and prepared for each workday
• Able to follow instructions and guidance from crew leaders and project partners
• Able to contribute to a respectful work environment through a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Able to maintain adherence to all SCA safety protocols and procedures
• Able to fully engage in education sessions, project tasks, and team-building

Living Accommodations and Transportation

Residential Crew Model - crew lodging provided by WPSD for full program session. Crew will remain on-site, overnight supervision and local staff support, and access to essential amenities. All meals provided by program. Crew vehicle provided for daily team travel between WPSD and work locations.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Projects May Include

• Trail maintenance and construction, including implementing water management techniques, brushing, blazing, and rerouting,
• Habitat Restoration, including invasive species identification and removal, data collection, and tree planting
• Facility maintenance projects, including painting, staining, and basic carpentry
• Construction projects such as picnic tables, stairs, and signage
• Fencing and Boundary Line Maintenance

Marginal Duties (Members)

• Work collaboratively on a small team
• Maintain respectful co-living environment with small team
• Fully participate in Environmental Education sessions and activities
• Assist in recording project accomplishments, data, and complete feedback surveys

Working Conditions

• Work settings require the ability to interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives positively.
• Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
• Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito-borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.
• • Crews meet daily at a centralized location and travel together in an SCA vehicle to the worksite daily. This is a field-based position, and efforts will be made to accommodate safe and indoor work during short periods of inclement weather. However, crew members may be called off during periods of extreme weather, and therefore, 37.5 hours per week is not guaranteed.

General Physical Requirements

• Able to work in outdoor environments, conducting manual project work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to understand and adhere to SCA procedures and safety policies.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face masks or shields, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
  Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.

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.