Job Description

Conservation begins here.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County seeks qualified applicants to sign up for our Young Adult Gap Year Conservation Leadership Corp! This position is designed to provide conservation job training experience for young adults, 18 years or older

This 18-week program begins June 22nd and runs through October 30th2026 Team members will gain vital workforce development skills and environmental education through hands-on service to the land and leadership skills through mentorship of high school teens during a summer job high school program

During Part 1 of the internship, you will work 26 hours per week(6/22-7/30) and during Part 2 (8/10-10/30) you will work 30 hours per week, with an unpaid break between August 3rd –August 7th

Program Snapshot:

• Program Dates: June 22-October 30, 2026

• Local Training Dates June 24 -June 27 (Monday – Friday)

• Weekly SchedulePart 1: Monday- Thursday,8am-3pm (30-minute unpaid lunch); Part 2: Monday – Thursday, 7 am – 3:30 pm (30-minute unpaid lunch)

• Program Hours: 26 hours Part 1; 30 hours Part 2

• Pay Rates: Part 1: $1750 per hour, 26 hours per week; Part 2: $1850 per hour, 30 hours per week

Location River Forest, Illinois- Salt Creek Maintenance Center

Primary Responsibilities:

Complete as a teaman assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and help co-lead weekly educational field days for high school students During the summer (Part 1 of internship), crew members will act as Assistant Crew leaders (ACL) to a group of ten high school students at a local nature center through the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program (CCLC)CCLC youth conduct hands-on conservation activities including invasive plant removal and trail maintenance projects and participate in environmental education activities to gain knowledge about their local environmentDuring Part 2, interns will create a new team of 4 crew members with 2 crew leaders once the CCLC program endsThere will be a weekunpaid breakAugust 3rd-7thso the crew will be off to prepare for the start of the GAP Crew August 10thThis newly formed crew will performecological restorationand will gain advanced conservation job skills and real-world experience to prepare members for future jobs in forestry and restoration skillsWork includes training and practice to remove invasive plants using herbicide, chainsaws, brush cutters as well as training to conduct brush pile burns, collect native seeds, and advanced ecology as designated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

During the fall portion of the program, the GAP Crew members will become certified in CPR/First Aid, receive their alternative herbicide certification, and gain certifications in chainsaw As with all SCA crews, SCA Community Core Curriculum will be utilized to introduce topics such as self-care; mental health; Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; conservation ethics; environmental justice; and more.

Specifically, the Crew Member will:

• Act as a CrewSupervisor Assistant by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics during the summer for high school youth
  • Serve as an Advisor, by training youth in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
  • Act as a Project Manager Assistant, by communicating with your crew leaders, program partners, and other staff ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA and the Forest Preserves District of Cook County
  • Perform tasks as a crewby organizing logistics, completing documentation, communicating effectively, having regular check-ins with program staff

• Marginal Dutieshelping crew leaders with data collection, time sheet management, and tool maintenance

  Qualifications:

  • Experience or being open to working outdoors as a part of team in conservation leadership during all weather conditions
  • 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 most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
  • Must be able to complete the full length of the program all 18 weeks6 weeks June 22nd-July30th and 12 weeksAugust 10th-October 30th
  • Must be able to attend Local Crew training(6/22-6/27)
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
  • Must have ability to legally work in the US
  • Must be able to get to and from the morning pick-up location
  • Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
  • Knowledge of mid-western ecology, or knowledge of the forest preserves is a big plus

  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.