Urban Green - Fall 2026 Community School Year Crew Member

Student Conservation Association•Philadelphia, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is seeking a Community School Year Crew Member for their Urban Green Philadelphia Youth Conservation Crew, based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. This entry-level position aims to connect young people with nature. The program involves 50-75% conservation fieldwork, 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 consist of 10 youth Crew Members, ages 15 to 18, led by 2 Field Leaders. Transportation to project sites will be provided from a central Philadelphia location.

Requirements

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.
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.
Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
Able to independently manage all personal belongings.
If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing with supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat’s safety procedures and safety equipment.

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for local candidates, especially Southwest Philadelphia.

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.
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.