Urban Green - Davey Resource Group Ecological Restoration Crew

Position Summary

A cohort of three members will work alongside the Davey Resource Group, South Bend, IN field office performing a variety invasive control throughout northern Indiana. They will use herbicide, hand tools, track data all while learning about native and invasive plants and helping to restore and protect some of Indiana's natural spaces. Members will work a M-F schedule with some Fridays off. Members will work on average a 35-hour work week with overtime offered occasionally up to 45 hours a week.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - September 13, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Overall duties of members encompass inspecting, managing, and maintaining a wide range of habitats, both natural and disturbed. Daily tasks include invasive species control, native seed installation, native plug planting, tree/shrub installation, urban forestry & field data collection or other tasks related to habitat restoration. Members will work under the direction of Davey Site Managers to provide government, utility, commercial, and not-for-profit clients with the services and solutions needed to efficiently and effectively manage natural resources, comply with policies, and obtain regulatory permits. Members will receive on the ground training in how to use a variety of tools, specialized equipment, how to safely apply herbicide, and gain exposure to a variety of careers within Davey. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in environmental education and professional development workshops/training, and the opportunity to travel for special projects in other states.

Marginal Duties

Each member will be responsible for weekly submission of reporting work conducted in the field use SCA output log survey;
Members will be responsible for attending once a month check in with local SCA program staff;
At the end of the season members will be responsible for completing an end of season report summarizing completed work, field experience and photos.

Required Qualifications

• Move/lift 50+lbs
• Carry a 40 lb backpack with herbicide throughout varying terrain for 8+hrs a day
• Handle hazardous chemicals (training provided) including: herbicides, fuels, etc
• Work 8-10 hr days regularly, however, weather, workload/schedule, equipment, etc. may effect this(i.e.
  days could be longer or shorter)
• Operate a variety of hand tools, backpack sprayers, etc (training provided)
• Work in all weather conditions, including: 80+ degree heat, rain, sleet, freezing temps
• Work in a variety of terrain and conditions including: standing water, mud, thick brush/briars,
  rough/uneven ground, rapid elevation changes, etc
• Work in environments with potential exposure to biting/stinging insects, ticks, poison ivy, briers,
  stinging nettles, etc
• Work in a team oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates should be able to start on May 19, 2025, and work for the full duration of the 20-week stint (vacations excluded)
• Experience with intensive outdoor labor (restoration, landscape, farming, construction, tree work, etc)
• Preference on current students or applicants who have attained an environmentally focused degree
• Ability to identify invasive plants in the Midwest
• 18+yrs old; valid driver's license with clean driving record
• MUST have their own transportation to arrive daily at field office

Hours

40 per week

Compensation

$18.00/hour

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

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.