Urban Green - Forestry Young Adult Crew

Program Dates: 6/3/2024 - 12/20/2024

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.

SCA's National Direct AmeriCorps program advances urban climate resilience by protecting, restoring and enhancing public lands and waters as well as natural, cultural, and historical resources across the United States. Service activities focus on projects identified as critical stewardship projects that improve and protect at-risk ecosystems and resources, especially in underserved urban communities.

Position Description:

Project Location:Qualifying Environmental Justice Census Tracts in and around Cleveland

SCA's Cleveland Urban Forestry Team will advanceenvironmental justice by maintaining Cleveland's urban forestin low-canopy neighborhoods.The team will work to complete priority tree care projects in partnership with SCA partner organizations.In addition, the crew will engage with the local community byorganizing and leading volunteercommunitytree care projects,sharing informationabout thebenefits trees provide, and relatedcommunity engagement projects.

The team will be responsible for a variety of urban forestry project work, including the maintenance and installation of up to 500 trees. Each team member will aid in the ongoing maintenance of newly planted trees and care for previously planted trees from past seasons. Maintenance includes mulching, watering, pruning, staking, fencing, inspecting, and tracking.

Members will also assist in the implementation of community engagement events including but not limited to:

• Volunteer tree planting days
• Tree steward workshops
• Partner hosted training
• Student and organization joint workdays

The team will be expected to work together through a variety of weather conditions during their season. Members should feel able to perform physical labor outdoors for up to 7 hours per day, and lift and carry 50 lbs or more occasionally.

The Cleveland Urban Forestry team will consist of 3 young adult members (18 years of age or older) and 1 Field Leader. Members meet at a centralized pick-up and drop-off location and are transported in an SCA vehicle to their work site each day by the Field Leader.

In addition to six months of project work in Cleveland, thisUrban Forestryteam will gain Public Lands Corps hiring eligibility by completing120 hours (3 weeks) ofurban forestrywork atCharles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monumentduring the season, exact dates TBD. Travel, food, and shared housing will be provided for the team during this period.

Member Benefits

• Living allowance: $600/week living allowance (pre-tax)*
• Eligibility for 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,447.50 upon successful completion of service.*
• AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
• Access to a national network of professional resources and a peer group
• Training - SCA Corps Member Training, ongoing professional development training, urban forestry training and option for certifications, value $1100

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

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
• Being at least 18 years or older;
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

Responsibilities

• Plant andmaintain trees in qualifying census tracts, advancing environmental justice while growing Cleveland's urban tree canopy
• Engage community members to advance urban tree canopy equity
• Build and maintain stormwater and related green infrastructure
• Related urban and community foresty management projects in collaboration with land managing partners

Schedule

• Please note – this is a tentative schedule. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same.

• Work schedule is generally Mon - Fri, eight (8) hours per day, with some adjustments to accommodate weekend volunteer days through the season
• M-F, 8a-4p totaling 40 hours per week. Schedule will be adjusted throughout the position.
• Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 29weeks.

Training and Leadership development

• Initial trainings will be held for all types of service activities:
  • SCA Urban Forestry Training
  • Corps Member Training,
  • Ongoing professional development training
• AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy
• AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination
• Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc.
• SCA Urban Green Cohort Professional Development
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
• Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Positive Workplace
• Risk Management 101
• Other training opportunities when available

Housing

Housing not provided as part of this position.

It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants on the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.