Job Description

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 Urban Green Philadelphia Youth Conservation Crew is based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The Autumn 2026 Youth Conservation Crew will be led by 2 Field Leaders, ages 21+, and consist of 10 youth Crew 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.

The Crew will work approximately 10 Saturdays starting in early October and going through early December. Crew Members will work Saturdays, 9am-4pm, at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and in various sites throughout Southwest Philadelphia.

Field Leaders will work up to 15 hours a week, approximately 8am-5pm on Saturdays at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, with additional remote and time-flexible administrative tasks throughout the week.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

• This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

September 21, 2026 - December 23, 2026

*Start and end dates subject to change

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise 10 high school Crew Members performing environment and conservation-oriented work on Saturday workdays and be responsible for the Crew’s overall service, performance, and safety.
• Mentor the Youth Conservation Crew by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, encouraging professional, personal, and development, and training and teaching Members in technical conservation work skills and environmental stewardship.
• Communicate with partners, community members, and volunteers, ensure successful and timely completion of work projects, and uphold a positive representation of SCA.
• Implement firm risk and safety measures by consistently monitoring all aspects of Crew Member and personal safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and the professional and safe operation of all vehicles, equipment, and tools.

Marginal Duties

• Complete administrative and organizational tasks, including communicating with SCA and John Heinz NWR staff, following a budget, tracking time, supplies, and tools, completing documentation and reports in timely managers, and keeping a workday schedule and time flow.
• Oversee and manage tool, equipment, and material inventory.

Required Qualifications

• Work Saturdays in-person at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153.
• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• US Work Authorization
• Valid driver’s license for 3+ years
• Perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more.
• CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training

Preferred Qualifications

• Conservation or related work skills – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening.
• Project management and/or coordination and/or administration, including physical organization, time management, schedule organization, and timely paperwork.
• Work independently and display self-initiative throughout all responsibilities, as well as work and communicate well with colleagues and peers.
• Curiosity to learn and to support the mission and values of SCA and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
• Strong leadership, teaching, mentorship, collaboration, and written, spoken, and interpersonal communication skills, especially with youth and young adults.

Hours

Up to 15 per week, with beginning and end of program during training and program close-out going up to 30 hours a week

Living Accommodations

N/A, candidates within a commutable distance to Philadelphia, PA are encouraged to apply

Compensation

$21/hour

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not required

Driving

Driving an SCA motor vehicle is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Possess a current and valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle which they are operating.
• Have a minimum of three years of state permitted and licensed driving experience.
• Be a minimum of 21 years old.
• Complete a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check upon hire (or re-hire) and annually, thereafter.
• Complete SCA’s driver training, including both online and behind-the-wheel assessment (commentary) components.

Additional Benefits

• First Aid/CPR
• Defensive Drive Training

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.