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 Summer 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 Crew will work 6 weeks in the Summer, July through August. Crew Members will work Mondays to Fridays at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and in various sites throughout Southwest Philadelphia. 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.

For the second week of the Summer, July 13-17, the Crew will be tent-camping overnight for 5 days, 4 nights (Monday, July 13th to Thursday, July 16th) in the Poconos as part of the Delaware River Watershed Stewardship Internship Program "Watchers on the Water" offered through the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). As part of this program, Crew Members will be kayaking or canoeing, camping, and conducting water quality testing, under the supervision of 2 PEEC staff and 3-4 SCA staff. All SCA staff are Wilderness First Responder certified and PEEC staff are CPR, AED, and First Aid trained, trained in the program, receive re-training annually, and follow strict river and water safety protocol. Food, camping supplies, and personal protective equipment will all be provided free of charge and personal protective equipment (including floating devices) are required to be worn.

Location

Philadelphia, PA and Poconos, PA

Schedule

July 6, 2026 - August 14, 2026

Note that July 13-17th is overnight in the Poconos

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Attend Week 2, the Delaware River Watershed Internship Program, in the Poconos (a 5-day, 4-night) tent-camping and canoeing/kayaking experiential education and training component of the program.

Abide by all risk and safety protocols, including wearing proper uniform, boots, gloves, eyewear, and hard hats for required work projects, and PFDs (personal floating devices) during any water-based activity.

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, be able to attend all programming, and communicate any absences (unplanned or planned) in advance.

Marginal Duties

• Engage and contribute to environmental education and job readiness lessons and activities.
• Speak and engage with the public at community events.

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

33 per week

Mondays to Thursdays 9am-4pm

Fridays 9am-2pm

Living Accommodations

Not provided, except for during the Delaware River Watershed Internship Program, where tents, food, and gear will be provided.

Compensation

• Hourly position paying $11/hour, about 33 hours a week.
• Member is paid bi-weekly.

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

Personal Vehicle Information

No personal vehicle required.

Additional Benefits

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.