Urban Green - Openlands Tree Maintenance Crew

Position Summary 

SCA will work with Openlands to assist with community tree planting and maintenance and help train community members in urban forestry stewardship. The Crew will have access to Openlands’ tree care networking and training workshops for professional development and career exposure. The Crew will perform tree planting, watering as green storm-water infrastructure, and tree maintenance within Openlands’ projects. Crew Members will attend trainings to ensure safe and effective tree canopy conservation as well as training in basic digital mapping and data collection techniques. They will also engage with the community at volunteer events. Crew Members meet at a centralized pick-up and drop-off location and are transported to their work site each day by the Crew Leader.

 

Location 

Chicago, IL

 

Schedule 

June 1, 2026 - November 13, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• 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. • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Marginal Duties 

online SCA survey, data collection, tracking work hours online, Program material maintenance

 

Required Qualifications 

• 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 -be 18 years of age or older -able to meet at Openland HQ • 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.

 

Hours 

35 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

No living Accommodation for this position

 

Compensation  

$19\hr paid bi-weekly

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

 

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.