Overview
Conservation Begins Here.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire young adult women in The SCA Chicago’s All Women’s Conservation Crew.
Program Dates: August 25th –September 2nd
Training Dates: (40 hrs/week): SCA Virtual Project Leader Training April 18th-22nd, followed by local in-person Chicago training April 25th-29th
Primary Responsibilities: Supervise a crew of 6 young-adult women, ages 18+, in the completion of various conservation projects within the Chicago Park District natural areas (mainly Hegewisch Marsh, Indian Ridge Marsh, Steelworkers Park, Big Marsh Park). The Crew Leader will manage the crew in activities using hand and power tools to complete projects such as: trail/park maintenance; habitat restoration; invasive species removal; herbicide application; and leading stewardship days. Leader will be responsible for managing the group in environmental education workshops, certificate trainings and outdoor recreation. Leader will also be responsible for capturing project outcomes through photo documentation, data collection, reporting, and evaluations. Crew leader will have additional support from an Assistant Crew Leader on the team. As long as COVID-19 is a threat, Crew Leaders (and members) are expected to do what is necessary to keep their team safe, this includes regular cleaning and disinfection of tools/equipment, regular health check-ins with staff, wearing a mask, and enforcing/following policy and procedures outlined in SCA’s COVID management plan
Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
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 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 communicating with SCA staff
Compensation: $20.00 an hour; 40/hours a week, paid training
Qualifications:
Qualifications: Must be a self-identified woman, 21 yrs or older; valid drivers license for 3+ years and clean driving record; Current ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards; current basic First Aid and CPR certifications; State of Illinois herbicide license or willing to obtain one before program start date; outdoor skills; experience working with diverse groups; ability to maintain a safe, productive and enjoyable work environment. Plant identification skills and knowledge o
About Student Conservation Association
Today, SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. Members participate in a variety of capacities and contexts. Beyond national parks, members work on marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in our nation’s urban centers. Members do land management, habitat restoration, trail building, disaster rehabilitation or prevention work, environmental education, public outreach, and more.
