Filed Leader- Philadelphia Youth Program at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge #2

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Since 1957, program participants have protected and restored national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country. SCA's Philadelphia Youth Program is based at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The Fall 2025 Youth Conservation Crew will be led by 2 Field Leaders, adults 21+, and consist of 10 youth Members, ages 15 to 18. The Crew will meet in a central location in Philadelphia each workday and transportation will be provided to project sites. This program is an entry-level position with the goal of connecting young people with nature. The program is 50-75% conservation field work, such as improving trails and gardens, managing invasive species, and planting native plants and trees and 25-50% environmental education, leadership development, environmental recreation, and workforce readiness. Projects will include urban gardening, trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, community outreach events, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites. This Crew will work 10 Saturdays in the Fall starting in early October through early December. Workdays for Crew Members will be from 9am-4pm and for Leaders, will be from approximately 8:30am-4:30pm. There will be additional administrative tasks for Leaders to complete remotely. Crew Leaders work up to 15 hours per week and Crew Members work 7 hours per week.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Schedule

September 22, 2025 - December 19, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as a supervisor and mentor to Crew Members and be responsible for the Crew's overall service, performance, and safety.; Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics; 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 partners, community members, and volunteers, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA. The Leader will interact and collaborate with several service partners in the field on a weekly basis; Create and maintain a safe service and project environment by consistently monitoring all aspects of Member safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and building a culture of safety; Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, running reports, tracking timing and supplies, and communicating with SCA staff; Operate assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools safely and professionally; Oversee and manage tool, equipment, and material inventory

Marginal Duties

Other duties as needed to support project objectives

Required Qualifications

• Field Leaders will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, direction, support, and supervision of 10 youth Crew Members performing environment and sustainability-oriented work. Leaders will:
• Serve as a supervisor and mentor to Crew Members and be responsible for the Crew's overall service, performance, and safety.
• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
• 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 partners, community members, and volunteers, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA. The Leader will interact and collaborate with several service partners in the field on a weekly basis;
• Create and maintain a safe service and project environment by consistently monitoring all aspects of Member safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and building a culture of safety
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, running reports, tracking timing and supplies, and communicating with SCA staff
• Operate assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools safely and professionally
• Oversee and manage tool, equipment, and material inventory

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference for local candidates.
• TEACHING: Experience with environmental education or teaching
• SKILLS: Proficiency in outdoor skills (e.g., hiking, camping, Leave No Trace principles) and conservation techniques (e.g., trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal).

Hours

Up to 15 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is not provided as part of this position.

Compensation

Hourly position paying $21/hour, up to 15 hours per week. Leader is paid bi-weekly. All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

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.