Field Leader- Chicago Urban Foresty Crew

Position Summary

SCA will work with Openlands to assist with community tree planting and maintenance and help train community members in urban forestry stewardship. The Crew will be provided training, workshops and education following the SCA & Openlands pre-apprenticeship curriculum for professional development and career exposure. The Crew will perform tree planting, watering as green storm-water infrastructure, community outreach, and tree maintenance within Openlands' projects. Working alongside Openlands arborists and apprentices, the SCA Crew will learn and follow industry standards, safely and effectively enact tree stewardship projects, and develop skills needed for a viable career in urban forestry. They will also engage with the communities and lead volunteers at community tree planting events.. The Crew meets at Openlands Forestry office and are transported to their work site each day by the Crew Leader or Openlands staff.

Schedule

March 10, 2025 - November 21, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, checking in with Program Supervisors, and helping develop the crew work schedule

• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship

• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA

• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing, a budget, and making sure work hours are being submitted on time

Marginal Duties

Meeting at Openlands Forestry Office; Working as a team; Communicating and working with Community members; tracking your work hours; Bringing your lunch everyday; tool maintenance; tree maintenance; Tree transportation; managing a crew budget; coding expenses; and completing crew output logs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education a plus

• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail

construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening

• 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

• Experience driving a Cab Truck with a trailer hitch + trailer

• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training:

• Must be a minimum of 23 years of age

• Must have the ability to legally work in the US

• Must have a valid driver's license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards

• CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

None for this position

Compensation

$920 a week/ 40hr paid bi-weekly

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

Additional Benefits

• Wilderness First Aid ($350 Value)

• Chainsaw Training

• Arborist Training

• CPR/First Aid

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

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