Field Leader - Morton Arboretum Crew

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 

April 13, 2026 - November 6, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

o Initial trainings will be held for all types of work (Is this referring to the SCA training?). A weekly work and watering schedule will be created by the created the crew leader with support from CRTI staff during a weekly check in. CRTI staff will introduce projects to the crew and instruct on how to make a schedule. The crew leader will plan out how to implement the projects and will have significant freedom to manage the crew’s time. and monitored by the crew leader and Chicago Regional Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff so everyone is on the same page.
o Watering trees and aid in maintaining trees with CRTI community partners. Physical labor is a significant part of this position and the crew leader needs to be prepared to keep morale high when performing manual labor in variable work environments plants (follow CRTI watering guidance linked below): must use a flow meter and check soil moisture (crew will be trained) to determine watering needs. Using rainfall totals for a given area is not sufficient to know how much water each plant needs. Taking the time to monitor and water sufficiently is the most critical factor for newly established plants.
o Provide public facing engagement and outreach. CRTI provides outreach at venues across the Chicagoland region with a wide diversity of audiences. The crew leader needs to be comfortable talking to the public and encouraging the crew to do so as well. CRTI staff will aid in preparation for outreach events, but the crew needs to be comfortable with unanticipated questions. CRTI Watering Guidance Resource Sheet (link)
o Conduct one-year tree check-ups at previous CRTI planting sites. CRTI geo-locates all trees that we plant with partners and the crew provides critical information on how the trees are faring during their first year in the ground. This project requires a significant amount of driving around the 7 county Chicago land area to reach sites. Clear site maps with plants geocoded will be provided to ensure each plant location is identified and cared for.
o Professional development: time will be allotted for SCA to attend workshops, webinars, and other training events to build their own networks and learn more about the many career options in urban forestry.

Specifically, the will:
• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, checking in with Program Supervisors, and helping developing the crew work schedule
• 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 The Morton Arboretum staff, CRTI agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing, a budget, and making sure work hours are being submitted on time

 

Marginal Duties 

vehicle inspection, data collection, tool maintenance, program check in with program staff

 

Required Qualifications 

• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education a plus
• Experie