Field Leader - Cleveland Young Tree Care Team

Student Conservation Association • Cleveland, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Field Leader will supervise the SCA Cleveland Young Tree Care Team, leading field projects and performing urban and community forestry work alongside three young adult members. The team supports environmental justice by maintaining Cleveland’s urban forest in low-canopy neighborhoods, working with community groups on priority tree-care needs such as watering, young-tree training and pruning, mulching, staking, fencing, invasive-plant removal, general site maintenance, and tracking. The team also supports community tree-care projects, shares information about the benefits of trees, and participates in collaborative community engagement.

The leader manages crew schedules, budgets, logistics, and administrative work; transports team members from a centralized meeting location to daily work sites in an SCA vehicle; and coordinates with SCA staff and community or agency partners. The role includes training and mentoring members, managing crew safety and risks, delivering environmental education, and representing SCA professionally. Work takes place outdoors in varied weather. Administrative duties require approximately five hours per week outside the crew workday. Housing is not provided.

Requirements

• Documented experience working with young adults ages 18–25 in an educational, mentorship, or conservation capacity.
• Experience with hands-on outdoor conservation work, such as landscaping, trail building, or tree care.
• Valid driver’s license held for at least three years, with a driving record meeting SCA’s MVR standards.
• Must meet SCA’s criminal background check standards.
• Must be at least 21 years old and legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to attend mandatory SCA training sessions, including possible out-of-town leadership training.
• CPR certification and Wilderness First Aid or an approved equivalent 16-hour First Aid course are required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise crew members during daily tasks and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment.
• Lead and oversee conservation work projects, including watering and habitat restoration, and manage tools, equipment, scheduling, and timely project completion.
• Coordinate food planning, transportation, tools, and equipment with SCA Program staff.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners and represent SCA professionally.
• Train members in conservation skills, tool use, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development; mentor them in field management as applicable.
• Assess and actively manage risks to maintain a safe work environment.
• Plan and conduct educational sessions aligned with SCA’s Conservation Curriculum.
• Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, output logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, and budget reconciliation.
• Track and manage the crew schedule and budget, check in with SCA Program staff, and approve member timecards.
• Manage the SCA team vehicle and transport members to work sites.
• Perform other duties as needed to support crew needs and project objectives.

Benefits

• $850 per week living allowance (pre-tax; allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes).
• SCA warm-weather uniform package.
• Four days of paid time off during the field season.
• Access to a national network of professional resources and an alumni peer group.
• SCA Field Leader Training, Wilderness First Aid, ongoing professional development training and mentorship, urban forestry training, and the option to seek relevant certifications (stated value of $2,000+).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed