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. There will be 2 Crews, each with 5 youth Members and 2 adult Leaders. 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 trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, community outreach events, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites.

This Crew will run for 6 weeks on Mondays to Fridays from 9am-4pm from July 7th to August 15th. Crew Leaders work approximately 40 hours per week and Crew Members work 35 hours per week.

Location 

Philadelphia, PA

Schedule 

June 9, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• The Crew Leaders will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, direction, support and supervision of 10 youth Crew Members performing climate and sustainability-oriented work
• The Crew Leaders will serve as a supervisor and mentor to the 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, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA.
• The Crew Leader will interact and collaborate with several service partners in the field on a weekly basis
• Creating and maintaining a safe service and project environment; 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 within the Crew
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff. These tasks will take up to 5 hours per week to complete
• Communicating problems, schedule changes and other issues to the Program Manager and service partner(s) where appropriate in a prompt fashion
• Operating assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools safely and professionally
• Overseeing tool, equipment and material inventory and management

Marginal Duties 

Other duties as needed to support project objectives

Required Qualifications 

• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education a plus;
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening;
• 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 be a minimum of 21 years of age;
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US;
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards;
• CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with environmental education or teaching is a plus;
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and/or building relationships with young people ages 14-18;
• 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 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Compensation  

Leaders are considered full-time and will be paid $750/week, every 2 weeks. $45/month additional phone reimbursement.

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

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

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.