Urban Green - Charles County Resilience Authority Youth Tree Corps
Position Summary
This schoolyear Saturday crew will support climate resilience in Charles County by caring for native trees planted across 10 public schools and community spaces affected by the urban heat island effect. Participants will meet on 12 Saturdays throughout the schoolyear to help maintain trees planted to provide shade, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and lower ambient temperatures. A team of 4 youth crew members will work alongside an SCA Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader to ensure long-term tree survival. Project tasks may include watering, mulching, weeding, staking, planting, and monitoring trees. Through this work, participants will gain hands-on conservation experience and help address the impacts of climate change in their community.
Location
La Plata, MD
Schedule
Roughly every other Saturday between November 2025 and April 2026; exact dates TBA
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Crew members will work collaboratively to maintain young trees at worksites in Charles County: watering, weeding, mulching, staking, and monitoring tree health.
Marginal Duties
- Participate in environmental education learning activities
- Complete feedback surveys
- Participate in professional development sessions like career panels, SMART Goal planning
Required Qualifications
- Must be a minimum of 15 years of age
- Must be a current high school student
- Must be able to obtain Maryland minor work permit; 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
- Must have the ability to legally work in the US
- Must be able to complete SCA online onboarding new hire paperwork in a timely manner
Preferred Qualifications
- Outdoor work experience a plus
- Experience working in a team
- Open to learning new skills and about conservation and environmental topics
Hours
8am-4pm on select Saturdays
Living Accommodations
No housing - candidates must live near Charles County, Maryland
Compensation
- $17/hour, bi-weekly pay schedule
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
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.