Application & Placement

Applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled.

In order to be considered for the SCA National Conservation Crew Program, candidates must complete each section of the online application, have at least one completed and attached reference form, submit the application, and access and complete the Medical/Physician Forms, and the Signature Form. 

Application Process

1. To access the application, candidates must either create a website profile or login if already have one created.  To create the website profile click Login at the top right of any SCA website page.   Under the Create Profile tab, you can create the website profile.
2. On the menu bar on the website you will note my sca, clicking on this from any page of the website will take you to your profile page, once you have logged in.
3. From your profile page you can click on access or create your application to access the online application.  The next page you will be prompted to enter your password again.

There is a one-time application fee of $25 dollars for US citizens ($40 International citizens).
If you have a dial up connection we highly recommend completing the paper application or reference forms.

Application Forms

New candidates need to download:

• SCA Medical Health History Form
• Physician's Health Form
• Signature Form

Please complete these forms and return them to SCA 1 of 3 ways:

• Scan the forms into your system and email them to crews@thesca.org. (preferred method)
• Fax them to 800.939.3141
• Mail them to:
  Student Conservation Association
  c/o National Conservation Crew Program
  P.O. Box 550
  Charlestown, NH 03603

If you are unable to download the necessary forms, send an email with your full name and current address to crews@thesca.org.

Returning candidates need to:

• Login to your application to update your availability dates and the update application section titled CC Update Application
• Download, complete and return SCA Medical Update Form
• Download, complete and return Signature Form
• Every other year we will require a new Physician's Health Form

 Once the required forms are filled out, submit them to us as soon as possible.

Applicant Selection Process

SCA takes great care in selecting its crew members. Each candidate is evaluated individually based on the materials they provide. Please understand that this is a competitive process and that there is no guarantee of being selected.  For more details on how you can improve your chances of  being chosen, please see our Application Tips page.

Crew Member Placement Process

Once your application is completed, we will review all of your information. There are several different criteria that are considered for placement.  They are as follows in order of importance:

• Your application being successfully reviewed
• Your motivation to serve and relevant experiences and skills
• Your demonstrated maturity, leadership and social responsibility
• Your availability dates

These criteria reflect the care we take to ensure that all members receive a placement they are well suited for. We begin notifying crew member candidates of their placement in early spring. Upon receiving the placement email you have 7 days to respond. Once your acceptance is received, the SCA will send you Selection information. Included in this email attachment are forms (Participant Agreement & Medical Waiver) that must be completed and returned.

The Waitlist

Only applicants who have received a waitlist invitation via email are eligible for the waitlist. To be placed on the waitlist, you must respond to the email immediately and outline any changes to your availability dates.

Crew members on the waitlist are not rank ordered. If space on a crew becomes available, a decision will be made at that time (ex. if a 15 year old female drops from a backcountry program, we will find a 15 year old female suitable for the backcountry from the waitlist). We send a final update to all waitlisted applicants by late June.

What if I don’t like my placement?

If you decline our placement, your application goes back into the general applicant pool. We cannot guarantee that you will receive another placement. Remember that each site offers an amazing opportunity for conservation service and every crew is in need of highly qualified members.