Urban Green - 2025 Community School-Year Crew

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.

 

SCA’s Urban Green Philadelphia Youth Conservation Crew is based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The Spring 2026 Youth Conservation Crew will be led by 2 Field Leaders, ages 21+, and consist of 10 youth Crew Members, ages 15 to 18. 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. The program is 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.

 

The Crew will work 12 Saturdays in the Spring starting in early March and going through early June.

 

Crew Members will work Saturdays, 9am-4pm, at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and in various sites throughout Southwest Philadelphia.

 

Location 

Philadelphia, PA

 

Schedule 

March 7, 2026 - June 6, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Actively participate in conservation service tasks as assigned.

 

Use hand tools and work outside to complete conservation service projects.

 

Arrive at work prepared for the workday.

 

Engage and contribute to environmental education and job readiness lessons and activities.

 

Marginal Duties 

Other duties as needed to support project objectives.

 

Required Qualifications 

Current high school student between the ages of 15 - 18.

 

Participants need no prior experience but do need to have a desire to work outside in all weather conditions, and willingness to engage in team building activities.

 

Must have the ability to legally work in the US.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

Strong preference for local candidates, especially Southwest Philadelphia.

 

Hours 

Saturdays, 9am-4pm (7 hours/week).

 

Living Accommodations 

N/A

 

Compensation  

Hourly position paying $11/hour, 7 hours per week. Member is paid bi-weekly. All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

 

Additional Benefits 

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.