Field Leader - Urban Green Philadelphia Program Roving Leader

Student Conservation Association•Philadelphia, PA

29d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Program is based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The 2026 Roving Leader will work to directly support the Philadelphia Program Manager in supporting the 2026 Spring and Summer Youth Conservation Crews. Additionally, the Roving Leader will work closely with John Heinz NWR staff to increase their staff capacity in the departments of Biology, Maintenance, and/or Environmental Education, including responsibilities ranging from invasive species management to trail maintenance and upkeep to elementary school programming and implementation. Finally, the Roving Leader will collaborate with the Philadelphia Program Manager in working to increase SCA's presence and programs in Philadelphia through partnerships-building, capacity-building, and funding research. This position will be full-time based at John Heinz NWR in Philadelphia, working very likely a Tuesday through Friday 8am-4pm schedule.

Requirements

Must be able and willing to work full-time at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153.
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards.
Ability to 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.
CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required.
Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training

Nice To Haves

Project management and/or coordination and/or administration, including physical organization, time management, schedule organization, attention-to-detail and timely paperwork.
Experience and/or interest in partnerships-building, fundraising, strategic planning, and program design.
Conservation or related work skills – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening.
Ability to work independently and display self-initiative throughout all responsibilities, as well as work and communicate well with colleagues and peers.
Curiosity to learn and to support the mission and values of SCA and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
Strong leadership, teaching, mentorship, collaboration, and written, spoken, and interpersonal communication skills, especially with youth and young adults.
Preference for local candidates based in Philadelphia.

Responsibilities

Support the 2026 Spring and Summer Youth Conservation Crews administratively and in the field through providing extra support and labor on workdays when needed, substituting for Field Leaders when needed, completing administrative and reporting responsibilities for the Crews and being responsible for the Crew’s overall service, performance, and safety.
Serve to increase the capacity and impact of the work of the Philadelphia Program Manager, with a focus on designing structural improvements to programming, increasing the presence of SCA in Philadelphia through partnerships and funding research, and collaborating on strategic plans.
Mentor the Youth Conservation Crew when in the field by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, encouraging professional, personal, and development, and training and teaching Members in technical conservation work skills and environmental stewardship.
Communicate with partners, community members, and volunteers, ensure successful and timely completion of work projects, and uphold a positive representation of SCA.
Implement firm risk and safety measures by consistently monitoring all aspects of Crew Member and personal safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and the professional and safe operation of all vehicles, equipment, and tools.