Assistant Leader - 2026 Charles County Summer Youth Corps

Student Conservation Association•La Plata, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This position directly supports Nature-Based climate resilience in Charles County by caring for native trees planted across public schools. Project tasks may include watering, mulching, staking, pruning, and monitoring young native trees. Through this work, participants will gain hands-on conservation experience and help address the impacts of climate change in their community. As Assistant Leader, you will help support the Crew Leader guide a team of 4 high schoolers to complete field conservation projects that support long-term maintenance of native urban tree canopies at schools in Charles County’s urban heat islands. This role will work alongside the crew, acting as a role model to the youth members and as a supportive supervisor for the Leader. Additionally, after passing SCA MVR check and driver safety courses, Assistant Leader must be able to safely transport crew from morning pick-up, worksites, and afternoon drop off the SCA rental truck and/or van. Assistant Leaders may help support Crew Leader administrative tasks. These tasks may include uploading photos from the field, helping with reporting, or project data collection. Assistant Leaders will be key in helping model active engagement throughout the workday for high school members.

Requirements

Perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
Minimum of 21 years of age
US Work Authorization
Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards
Meet SCA’s criminal background check standards

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education preferred
Assistant Leaders will work in new outdoor environments, being excited and open to new experiences is strongly desired
Experience working in a team
Open to learning new skills
Urban forestry, arboriculture, or tree care experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Support the Crew Leader
Guide a team of 4 high schoolers to complete field conservation projects
Work alongside the crew, acting as a role model to the youth members and as a supportive supervisor for the Leader
Safely transport crew from morning pick-up, worksites, and afternoon drop off the SCA rental truck and/or van
Uploading photos from the field
Helping with reporting
Project data collection
Helping model active engagement throughout the workday for high school members