SCA will work with Openlands to assist with community tree planting and maintenance and help train community members in urban forestry stewardship. The Crew will have access to Openlands’ tree care networking and training workshops for professional development and career exposure. The Crew will perform tree planting, watering as green storm-water infrastructure, and tree maintenance within Openlands’ projects. Crew Members will attend trainings to ensure safe and effective tree canopy conservation as well as training in basic digital mapping and data collection techniques. They will also engage with the community at volunteer events. Crew Members meet at a centralized pick-up and drop-off location and are transported to their work site each day by the Crew Leader.
Location
Chicago, IL
Schedule
June 1, 2026 - November 13, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Assiting Crew leader with: • Assist in providing pre-apprentices training in urban forestry and arboriculture skills, tool usage, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development. • Provide support and encouragement for pre-apprentices throughout the program. Fieldwork & Operations • Lead and oversee work projects, manage tool maintenance, and equipment logistics. • Create weekly and monthly fieldwork schedules in coordination with the Openlands team. • Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, and budget reconciliation. • Plant and maintain trees and perform necessary tree care, including replanting, staking, mulching, pruning, and watering. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices. • Assist in community tree planting events in the spring and fall by setting up equipment, unloading trees, placing trees, digging holes, planting trees, leading volunteers, etc. • Drive SCA’s rented vehicle (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment. Community & Partner Engagement • Coordinate activities, trainings, and events with Openlands, SCA, and pre-apprenticeship program partners. • Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners and represent SCA in a professional manner. • Perform other duties as assigned, ex. alternate driver if crew leader is unavailable
Marginal Duties
Assiting Crew leader with: • Assist in providing pre-apprentices training in urban forestry and arboriculture skills, tool usage, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development. • Provide support and encouragement for pre-apprentices throughout the program. Fieldwork & Operations • Lead and oversee work projects, manage tool maintenance, and equipment logistics. • Create weekly and monthly fieldwork schedules in coordination with the Openlands team. • Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, and budget reconciliation. • Plant and maintain trees and perform necessary tree care, including replanting, staking, mulching, pruning, and watering. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices. • Assist in community tree planting events in the spring and fall by setting up equipment, unloading trees, placing trees, digging holes, planting trees, leading volunteers, etc. • Drive SCA’s rented vehicle (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment. Community & Partner Engagement • Coordinate activities, trainings, and events with Openlands, SCA, and pre-apprenticeship program partners. • Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners and represent SCA in a professional manner. • Perform other duties as assigned, ex. alternate driver if crew leader is unavailable
Required Qualifications
• Minimum 21 years old. • Ability to legally work in the United States. • Outdoor work experience conservation, or related fields (tree planting, urban forestry, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, landscaping, gardening, etc.) • Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays. • Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species, associated pests and diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees. • Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor. • Valid Illinois Driver’s License, clean motor vehicle record, and reliable transportation to the Openlands Field Office. • Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) with trailers both in the city and on local highways. • Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. • Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally. • Effectively work under minimal supervision. • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. • Positive attitude and enthusiasm for trees, nature and connecting Chicago region residents in all community areas to the natural world.
Preferred Qualifications
local to Chicago
Hours
35 per week
Living Accommodations
no living accommodations for this position
Compensation
$20/hr paid bi-weekly
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Not needed
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
