Field Leader - Arborist Registered Apprenticeship Team

Position Summary 

SCA, in partnership with Openlands, will run a 24-week pre-apprenticeship program for the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship, where program participants receive hands-on field experience conducting tree establishment maintenance and assisting with community tree planting events. Pre-apprentices will be provided training, workshops, and education following the pre-apprenticeship program curriculum, and be exposed to career pathways in arboriculture through networking and professional development opportunities.

The SCA Crew Leader oversees the day-to-day, on the ground operations of the Openlands Urban Forestry SCA Crew. This role plays a vital part in providing the hands-on field experience and tree stewardship activities conducted by SCA pre-apprentices. The Crew Leader is a hands-on leadership role that combines fieldwork, training, and operations management. They are responsible for supervising the SCA crew’s daily field activities, delivering entry-level arboriculture instruction, and ensuring the safety and success of the SCA pre-apprentice crew.

This is a full-time, temporary position (36 weeks) that requires flexibility with weekend work during planting seasons (April-May & September-November). The Crew Leader’s typical workday begins at 6:30am and ends at 3pm, and they start and end their day at the Openlands Field Office. The Crew will start Monday- Friday, and will switch to Tuesday- Saturday during the planting season which is during the fall.

 

Location 

Chicago, IL

 

Schedule 

March 16, 2026 - November 20, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Pre-Apprentice Supervision & Training
• Oversee and guide SCA pre-apprentices by providing clear direction, regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture. ;
• Ensure all crew members adhere to ANSI safety standards. ;
• Assist in providing pre-apprentices training in urban forestry and arboriculture skills, tool usage, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development. ;
• Provide support and encouragement for pre-apprentices throughout the program. 
Fieldwork & Operations
• Lead and oversee work projects, manage tool maintenance, and equipment logistics. 
• Create weekly and monthly fieldwork schedules in coordination with the Openlands team.  
• Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, and budget reconciliation. 
• Plant and maintain trees and perform necessary tree care, including replanting, staking, mulching, pruning, and watering. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices.
• Assist in community tree planting events in the spring and fall by setting up equipment, unloading trees, placing trees, digging holes, planting trees, leading volunteers, etc.
• Drive SCA’s rented vehicle (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment. 
Community & Partner Engagement
• Coordinate activities, trainings, and events with Openlands, SCA, and pre-apprenticeship program partners.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners and represent SCA in a professional manner. 

 

Marginal Duties 

-Following a crew budget;
-coding program expenses;
-Online data reporting and collection;
-inspecting vehicle and tools with crew;
-writing a final report at the end of the program;
-keeping in communication with Program Coordinator and Program Partners;

 

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum 21 years old.
• Ability to legally work in the United States.
• Outdoor work experience conservation, or related fields (tree planting, urban forestry, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, landscaping, gardening, etc.)
• Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays.
• Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species, associated pests and diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees.
• Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License, clean motor vehicle record, and reliable transportation to the Openlands Field Office.
• Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) with trailers both in the city and on local highways.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally.
• Effectively work under minimal supervision.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-s