Individual Placement - Recreation Aide at Sandy Lake (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Position Summary 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the leading Federal provider of outdoor recreation and attracts over 335 million visitors annually at 403 water resources development projects operated in 43 states. Visitor safety as well as stewardship of the natural resources are several of the primary missions in the management of these projects.

 

Learn more about the St. Paul District recreation sites at: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/

 

Location 

McGregor, MN - Sandy Lake

 

Schedule 

June 15, 2026 - October 2, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Interns are to provide assistance in the implementation of the Corps campground, recreation, and natural resources management including assisting park rangers at park offices and visitor use areas to disseminate information about the area, assist with answering basic questions about camping reservations, assisting with campground check-ins/check-outs, updating bulletin boards, working on interpretive displays, stocking and distributing informative material in information centers. Work will be performed cooperatively with USACE permanent staff, volunteers, and other county, state and federal partners, in both independent and team settings.

 

Marginal Duties 

SCA interns may also be asked to conduct interpretive programs at the recreation areas and may also assist with setting up and staffing water safety booths and parades at county/state/special event fairs, while representing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Light maintenance tasks may be required in recreation areas including but not limited to painting, mowing, weed whipping, litter clean-up, leaf blowing, sign installation, native garden plantings/bed maintenance, light facility cleaning, and other general landscaping and park maintenance tasks. SCA interns may assist park rangers with natural resources management tasks including invasive species control activities, pollinator habitat improvements, wildlife habitat improvements, project boundary inspections and clearing, as well as park trail maintenance. SCA interns may be asked to drive UTV’s/ATV’s, government vehicles, golf carts, and other site equipment – training to be provided if deemed necessary by the location.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have the ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English
• Must have the ability to work outdoors and lift up to 50 pounds
• Must wear SCA-provided attire while on duty.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather
• Knowledge of computers, tablets, and other electronic devices
• Familiarity with groundskeeping equipment such as lawn mowers & weed whips
• Experience driving ATVs/UTVs
• Experience with public speaking and presenting interpretive programming
• Willingness and ability to work well independently and as a team
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• A positive attitude
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to report on time to the site office
• Team members may be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays up to 40 hours per week.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Housing is not provided for this position.

 

Compensation  

• Living Allowance: $350/week
• Housing Allowance: $1,000/month
• Commuting Allowance: $100/week
• Up to $650 in reimbursable expenses for relocation

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

• Required

 

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Driving Training (to be determined/subject to availability)
• First Aid/CPR (to be determined/subject to availability)
• Interpretive Skills
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety (to be determined/subject to availability)
• 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.