Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Field Leader- Philadelphia Youth Program at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge
Student Conservation Association (SCA), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19102
Position Summary
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. This Leader will have two primary responsibilities: 1) leading the Fall SCA Youth Conservation Crew at John Heinz NWR with 1 adult co-leader and 10 youth Members for 10 Saturday workdays and 2) organizing, marketing, and facilitating community volunteer workday events at the John Heinz NWR with the Philadelphia Program Manager. Youth Conservation Crew SCA's Philadelphia Youth Program is based at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. 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. Leading the Fall SCA Youth Conservation Crew at John Heinz NWR will consist of 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. Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, community outreach events, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites. Additional responsibilities include administrative tasks, such as program reporting and data collection, lesson planning, driving youth Members to and from project sites in an SCA-provided vehicle. The Crew will occur for 10 Saturday workdays, 9am-4pm, starting in October and ending in December. Additional administrative responsibilities will occur outside those hours. Volunteer Workday Events During Fall 2025, the SCA, Philadelphia Region, is planning to run a series of small volunteer workday events at John Heinz NWR consisting likely of invasive species management and/or tree maintenance. Responsibilities for the Leader will include planning workday events with Philadelphia Program Manager, spreading word and marketing the events, coordinating with John Heinz NWR staff, and facilitating all phases of the event, including preparation and reporting. Volunteer workdays may occur on weekdays, during the day, or on weekends. Location Philadelphia, PA Schedule September 29, 2025 - December 19, 2025 Key Duties and Responsibilities The Leader, in partnership with a Co-Leader, will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, direction, support and supervision of 10 youth Crew Members performing climate and sustainability-oriented work; additionally, the Leader will support the Philadelphia Program Manager with running in-person volunteer workday events at John Heinz NWR outside of Crew workdays. The Leader will: Serve as a supervisor and mentor to Crew Members and be responsible for the Crew's overall service, performance, and safety. Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics. Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship. Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with partners, community members, and volunteers, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA. The Leader will interact and collaborate with several service partners in the field on a weekly basis. Create and maintain a safe service and project environment by consistently monitoring all aspects of Member and volunteer safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and building a culture of safety. Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, marketing events, running report, tracking timing and supplies, and communicating with SCA staff. Operate assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools safely and professionally. Oversee and manage tool, equipment, and material inventory. Marginal Duties Other duties as needed to support project objectives Required Qualifications Experience with conservation work skills or related skills strongly preferred
i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening Experience working with youth or young adults strongly preferred. Experience with administration and event management, including marketing, reporting, organization, communication, facilitation, teaching, and project management strongly preferred. 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. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Must have the ability to legally work in the US. Must have a valid drivers license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards; CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. Preferred Qualifications Preference for local candidates. TEACHING: Experience with environmental education or teaching. SKILLS: Proficiency in outdoor skills (e.g., hiking, camping, Leave No Trace principles) and conservation techniques (e.g., trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal). Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Housing not provided as part of this position. Compensation $750/week for 40 hours a week, paid biweekly (every two weeks) via direct deposit All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Additional Benefits Defensive Drive Training First Aid/CPR 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.
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. This Leader will have two primary responsibilities: 1) leading the Fall SCA Youth Conservation Crew at John Heinz NWR with 1 adult co-leader and 10 youth Members for 10 Saturday workdays and 2) organizing, marketing, and facilitating community volunteer workday events at the John Heinz NWR with the Philadelphia Program Manager. Youth Conservation Crew SCA's Philadelphia Youth Program is based at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. 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. Leading the Fall SCA Youth Conservation Crew at John Heinz NWR will consist of 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. Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, community outreach events, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites. Additional responsibilities include administrative tasks, such as program reporting and data collection, lesson planning, driving youth Members to and from project sites in an SCA-provided vehicle. The Crew will occur for 10 Saturday workdays, 9am-4pm, starting in October and ending in December. Additional administrative responsibilities will occur outside those hours. Volunteer Workday Events During Fall 2025, the SCA, Philadelphia Region, is planning to run a series of small volunteer workday events at John Heinz NWR consisting likely of invasive species management and/or tree maintenance. Responsibilities for the Leader will include planning workday events with Philadelphia Program Manager, spreading word and marketing the events, coordinating with John Heinz NWR staff, and facilitating all phases of the event, including preparation and reporting. Volunteer workdays may occur on weekdays, during the day, or on weekends. Location Philadelphia, PA Schedule September 29, 2025 - December 19, 2025 Key Duties and Responsibilities The Leader, in partnership with a Co-Leader, will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, direction, support and supervision of 10 youth Crew Members performing climate and sustainability-oriented work; additionally, the Leader will support the Philadelphia Program Manager with running in-person volunteer workday events at John Heinz NWR outside of Crew workdays. The Leader will: Serve as a supervisor and mentor to Crew Members and be responsible for the Crew's overall service, performance, and safety. Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics. Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship. Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with partners, community members, and volunteers, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA. The Leader will interact and collaborate with several service partners in the field on a weekly basis. Create and maintain a safe service and project environment by consistently monitoring all aspects of Member and volunteer safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and building a culture of safety. Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, marketing events, running report, tracking timing and supplies, and communicating with SCA staff. Operate assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools safely and professionally. Oversee and manage tool, equipment, and material inventory. Marginal Duties Other duties as needed to support project objectives Required Qualifications Experience with conservation work skills or related skills strongly preferred
i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening Experience working with youth or young adults strongly preferred. Experience with administration and event management, including marketing, reporting, organization, communication, facilitation, teaching, and project management strongly preferred. 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. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Must have the ability to legally work in the US. Must have a valid drivers license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards; CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. Preferred Qualifications Preference for local candidates. TEACHING: Experience with environmental education or teaching. SKILLS: Proficiency in outdoor skills (e.g., hiking, camping, Leave No Trace principles) and conservation techniques (e.g., trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal). Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Housing not provided as part of this position. Compensation $750/week for 40 hours a week, paid biweekly (every two weeks) via direct deposit All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Additional Benefits Defensive Drive Training First Aid/CPR 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.