The Cleveland Tree Care Team will consist of 3 young adult members (18 years of age or older) and 1 Team Leader. Members meet at a centralized location and are transported in an SCA vehicle to their work sites each day by the Team Leader. The team will work together through a variety of weather conditions during their season, and work will primarily take place outdoors. Members should feel able to perform physical labor outdoors for up to 8 hours per day, and lift and carry 50 lbs or more. In addition, members can expect regular informal interaction with the public, including community tree steward volunteers, and those curious about the work the team is doing.

Team members will be supervised in the field by an experienced SCA Team Leader. All team members are expected to be respectful, on-time, hardworking, and aware of conditions to ensure a safe service environment.

Member Impact

Members of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) AmeriCorps Tree Care Team will make a real, hands-on difference to the survival and growth of Cleveland's tree canopy by providing care and watering to recently planted trees. As a member, you'll serve alongside other young adults on your team as well as volunteer community members to conduct hands-on conservation projects, including tree maintenance and watering, invasive species removal, and ongoing land stewardship work. Team members will receive certifications and opportunities for future leadership and career opportunities in urban and community forestry and conservation.

Schedule

June 8, 2026 - September 19, 2026

Hours

Tuesday through Saturday, 8am-4:30pm

Some evening hours may be required to attend community events or trainings.

A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.

Service Location

Reports to: The Student Conservation Association, 4500 Lee Rd, Cleveland OH

Service will be performed at various planting sites in the Cleveland metropolitan region, primarily within Cuyahoga County

AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement 

450 hours required for AmeriCorps award eligibility

Essential Functions

• Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required.
• Commitment to serving as a productive team member; demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.
• Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation.
• Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
• Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
• The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.

Marginal Functions

• Assist with tracking and reporting on participant and program data;
• Assist with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials;
• Assists with inspection and maintenance of program vehicles;
• Supports coordination of transportation, safety protocols, accessibility needs, and other supplies for programs.

Required Qualifications

Emotional and Intellectual Requirements:

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and members;
• Function as part of a team;
• Understand verbal and/or written communication;
• Must be dependable, flexible, and cooperative;
• Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand without prompting;
• Accepting of leadership and supervisory authority; and
• Completes tasks appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Work together as a team to complete projects, sustaining a productive workplace culture;
• Engage respectfully with community members to advance urban tree canopy equity and build trust;
• Participate in related forestry projects and events in collaboration with land managing partners

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 lbs, and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 5 miles.
• Hike up to 5 miles, often while carrying a backpack, tools, and equipment
• Lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds
• Maintain and plant trees in qualifying census tracts, advancing environmental justice and sustaining Cleveland's urban tree canopy;
• Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain
• Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• 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 after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities is preferred.
• Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field is preferred.

Commitment Required

• The program’s term of service is a 3-month (Quarter-Time, 450 hours) commitment that will last June 8, 2026 through September 19, 2026.
• Members will serve 40 hours per week.

Living Accommodations

Living accommodations are not provided as part of this position.

Personal Vehicle Requirement

Personal Vehicle is not required for this position.

Compensation

• Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week
• Amount of Commuting Allowance member will receive: $150/week
• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $1,956.35
• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
• 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

Training and Additional Benefits

• Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours
• AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation
• Intercultural Competency certificate course
• Master Rain Gardener with Chagrin River Watershed Partners
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Workforce Development, Job Readiness, and mentorship (regular, interactive trainings monthly)
• Introduction to conservation organizations and individuals in Cleveland; opportunity to network

General Physical and Emotional Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 45% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions
• Able to lift a backpack weighing 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
• Able to grip a third point of contact for balance purposes when crossing rivers or streams, and ascending and/or descending slopes.
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.

Service Conditions

Service is performed primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. Service schedules and projects may change on short notice. Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives. Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.