Field Leader- All Womens Young Adult Crew with the Chicago Park District

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

Project Location: Chicago Metro Region

Position Description:
The SCA All Women's Young Adult Crew, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, will complete various conservation projects within Chicago Park District natural areas. Activities include using hand and power tools to complete projects such as: trail/park maintenance; habitat restoration; invasive species removal; herbicide application; and leading stewardship days.

Crew member's service will focus on projects at the following sites: Hegewisch Marsh, Indian Ridge Marsh, Big Marsh, and Steelworkers Park. The crew will also participate in environmental education workshops, certificate trainings and outdoor recreation.
The team will consist of 3 members and 1 leader. Preference will be given to women-identifying applicants. We welcome cis and trans women, as well as non-binary and gender non-conforming people.

Schedule

April 15, 2025 - November 7, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Supervise a crew of 3 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, and 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 Chicago Program Staff.

Marginal Duties

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, and transportation of your crew to the worksite from Big Marsh Bike Park
• 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

Required Qualifications

• We strongly encourage anyone who self-identifies as a woman to applyWe strongly encourage

• valid drivers license for 3 years and clean driving record

• Current ability to meet SCA's criminal background check standards
• Must have before start of program 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Plant identification skills and knowledge of Mid-western ecology strongly preferred.
• Hand and power tool experience is strongly preferred.

• We strongly encourage anyone who is 21 years or older to apply

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No housing,

Compensation

$23 the hour for 40 hours a week

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

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR
Wilderness First Aid Training

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.