Resource Assistants

15 New Opportunities for Fall

Starting September 15th, 2000

Volunteers will form three crews, under the supervision of a SCA Conservation Associate, and will assist with construction of the Florida National Scenic Trail, including building bridges and boardwalks through Eglin Air Force Base, Apalachicola National Forest, Ecofina Water Management Area in northern Florida, or along the Kissimmee River in southern Florida. Duties include: flagging trail alignment, cutting and removing brush along the route, painting trail blazes, building foot bridges with dimensional lumber, clearing camping sites along the trail, and constructing trailhead kiosks and registers. All positions involve hard physical labor associated with cutting and removing vegetation to create new trail using hand and power tools, and carrying dimensional lumber, hardware and tools to remote bridge and boardwalk locations. All work will be outdoors and workers will be exposed to the elements, including working in water and exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, cold, and insects. Crews will work four 10-hour days, with 3 days off each week. Proper trail layout, construction, blazing using hand and power tools, and recognition of venomous snakes training provided. Some crews may be housed in tents and some participants may need to bring their own sleeping bag/mattress. Require: good physical condition allowing for full days of hard work in an outdoors environment exposed to the elements; demonstrated record of working well with others in a team and with volunteers in an outdoor setting; experience in using hand and power tools and in carpentry; knowledge of first aid. Desire: experienced outdoor person with skills related to hiking, camping, outdoor cooking, map and compass reading.