Urban Green - Morton Arboretum Tree Conservation Crew (Senior Member)

Position Summary 

SCA Morton Arboretum Crew will work with Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff the and community partners to assist with tree planting, maintenance and various environmental projects that support and help train community members in urban forestry stewardship. The Crew will have access to the Arboretum’s tree care networking and training workshops for professional development and career exposure. The Crew will perform tree planting and watering as green storm-water infrastructure and habitat enhancement in their communities. Crew Members will work with CRTI staff attend CRTI trainings to ensure safe and effective tree canopy conservation as well as training in basic digital mapping and data collection techniques. The crew will y will also engage with the public community at volunteer events across the 7 county Chicagoland region including but not limited to tree plantings, resource deliveries and tree maintenance support. There will be opportunities for the crew to work interdepartmentally with The Morton Arboretum staff and support scientific research. Crew Members meet at The Morton Arboretum and are transported to their work sites by designated drivers of the Crew work vehicle. The Crew will be helping in multiple ways during their position with Morton Arboretum and Chicago Regional Tree Initiative staff.

 

Location 

Lisle, IL

 

Schedule 

May 4, 2026 - October 30, 2026 

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Act as an assistant to the Crew Leader, by help with facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, checking in with Program Supervisors helping developing the crew work schedule, and crew transportation • Assisting the Crew Leader, by communicating with The Morton Arboretum staff, CRTI agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA • Assisting the Crew Leader, by organizing logistics, completing documentations, and Output logs

 

Marginal Duties 

• Act as an assistant to the Crew Leader, by help with facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, checking in with Program Supervisors helping developing the crew work schedule, and crew transportation • Assisting the Crew Leader, by communicating with The Morton Arboretum staff, CRTI agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA • Assisting the Crew Leader, by organizing logistics, completing documentations, and Output logs

 

Required Qualifications 

• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education a plus • Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening • Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds or more • Comfortable creating and managing a work schedule for the crew. Knowledge of Google Workspace is a plus • Excitement to work in a fast-paced learning environment where you’ll be improving the Chicagoland tree canopy and contributing to regional science experiments • Experience driving a Cab Truck with a trailer hitch + trailer • Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: • 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

 

Preferred Qualifications 

local

 

Hours 

35 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

no living accommodations for this position

 

Compensation  

Leader Benefits and Compensation: • $20 an hour at 35 hours/week • CPR/First Aid

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

 

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

 

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.