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 an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. 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

October 3, 2026 - December 19, 2026

*Start and end dates subject to change

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Follow all risk and safety protocols, including wearing proper uniform, boots, gloves, eyewear, and hard hats for required work projects.

Communicate and collaborate with Crew Leaders and Crew Members.

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 and be able to attend all programming.

Communicate any unplanned absences by 7am the day of work and any planned absences by 9pm the night before and miss no more than 3 days of work at the maximum.

Marginal Duties

Engage and contribute to environmental education and job readiness lessons and activities.

Speak and engage with the public at community events.

Participate in group project work.

Required Qualifications

Current high school student between the ages of 15 - 18.

Participants need no prior experience but do need to have a desire to work outside in all weather conditions, and willingness to engage in team building activities.

Must have the ability to legally work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong preference for local candidates, especially Southwest Philadelphia.

Hours

8 per week

Living Accommodations

N/A

Compensation

$11/hour

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Driving

Driving is not required

Additional Benefits

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

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