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 Spring 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 6 weeks in the Summer, July through August. Crew Members will work Mondays to Fridays, 9am-4pm, at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and in various sites throughout Southwest Philadelphia.
Field Leaders will work 40 hours a week, Mondays to Fridays, based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Schedule
July 6, 2026 - August 14, 2026
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.
Marginal Duties
Engage and contribute to environmental education and job readiness lessons and activities.
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Local candidates to Southwest Philadelphia encouraged to apply!
Hours
35 per week
Living Accommodations
Not provided.
Compensation
Hourly position paying $11/hour, 7 hours per week. Member is paid bi-weekly.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
No personal vehicle required.
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.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
