Urban Green - 2025 Community School Year Crew

Conservation Begins Here

2025 Community School Year Crew

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

October 4, 2025 - December 13, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively participate in conservation service tasks as assigned
• Use hand tools and work outside to complete conservation service projects
• Arrive at work prepared for the workday
• Engage and contribute to environmental education and job readiness lessons and activities

Marginal Duties

Other duties as needed to support project objectives

Required Qualifications

• Current high school student between the ages of 15 - 18
• Participants need no prior experience, but do need to have a desire to work outside in all weather conditions, and willingness to engage in team building activities
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US

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.

Hours

7 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing not provided as part of this position.

Compensation

Hourly position paying $11/hour, 35 hours per week. Member is paid bi-weekly. All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

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.