Urban Green - Davey Resource Group Ecological Restoration Crew

Position Summary 

: SCA crew members work under the direction of Environmental Restoration Technicians as well as Project Managers with Davey Resource to provide clients with the services and solutions needed to efficiently manage natural resources, comply with policies, and obtain regulatory permits. Members will inspect, manage, and maintain a wide range of habitats, both natural and disturbed. Daily tasks include native seed installation, native plug planting, tree/shrub installation, invasive species control, or other tasks related to habitat restoration. Members will receive on the ground training in hand and power tool use, herbicide application, and gain exposure to careers working for contracting agencies such as DRG. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in environmental education and professional development workshops/training, as well as travel for special projects across the state.
Project Work Summary: Plant ID, Various IVC techniques, including backpack spraying; Safety Tailgates/Topics, small equipment operation. You will be hiking with a backpack sprayer for invasive removal, completing SCA Output Logs, and track your work hours online.
Note that this position may be up to 90% invasive species control, which would involve herbicide application on most days. Members must be able to obtain an IL herbicide license within 2 weeks of start date.

 

Location 

Elmhurst, IL

 

Schedule 

May 11, 2026 - September 18, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

: Plant ID, Various IVC techniques, including backpack spraying; Safety Tailgates/Topics, small equipment operation. You will be hiking with a backpack sprayer for invasive removal, completing SCA Output Logs, and track your work hours online.
Note that this position may be up to 90% invasive species control, which would involve herbicide application on most days. Members must be able to obtain an IL herbicide license within 2 weeks of start date.

 

Marginal Duties 

Completing SCA online surveys, tracking project metrics, working as a part of a team, and entering your hours on time on ADP

 

Required Qualifications 

: Must be 18 yrs or older; Current ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards; ability to withstand the weather and being active on your feet for up to 8 hrs while carrying a 50 lb backpack; outdoor skills and experience hiking in varying terrain and weather conditions; ability to maintain a safe, productive and enjoyable work environment. Must be able to obtain or have their Illinois Herbicide Operator License before the start of the position. Crew members must be able to participate for the entire length of the position. Plant identification skills and knowledge of mid-western ecology is a plus! Hand and power tool experience is a plus!
Ability to meet at the Davey Resource Group office every morning (unless planned otherwise) at: 910 S. Riverside Drive, Suite 5, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Must an Illinois Operator Herbicide License before the start of the position

 

Preferred Qualifications 

age 18 and above

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

none for this position

 

Compensation  

$18.50/hr for up to 40 hrs/week, $27/hr for occasional optional overtime up to 5 additional hours/week Crew members should anticipate an average of 40 hrs/week of work. Some work may be offered on Saturdays, but is not mandatory

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

 

Additional Benefits 

First Aid/CPR
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.