Field Leader- Charles County Youth Summer Forestry Crew

Position Summary

The crew will assist Charles County Resilience Authority support native tree planting and long-term maintenance of those trees. Project goals include reducing impervious surfaces, positively impacting air quality and health outcomes, while advancing carbon sequestration and stormwater management. Project tasks may include: 1) Watering of native trees planted throughout different Charles County area worksites 2) Winter tree care and pruning of trees 3) Community outreach and engagement. Training may include: 1) Tree care and maintenance 2) Field tool use 3) Plant ID and 4) environmental education.

Schedule

June 9, 2025 - August 22, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

As a Crew Leader, you will lead an Apprentice Crew Leader and six high school students to complete conservation projects supporting the maintenance of native urban tree canopies in Charles County's urban heat islands. Responsibilities include tasks such as watering over 500 native trees across multiple sites, pruning, mulching, community outreach, and data collection. Training covers tree care, tool use, plant identification, first aid, and safety management. After completing SCA's driving requirements, you will safely transport crew members to worksites using a rental vehicle. This role provides a chance to mentor aspiring conservationists and contribute to impactful environmental projects. You will oversee teamwork and field tasks, train and guide crew members, liaise with park partners to ensure project success, and manage logistics, budgets, and documentation effectively.

Marginal Duties

Crew leaders should expect to complete ~3-5 hours/weekly to complete crew leader administration tasks. These tasks may include coding expense receipts, uploading photos from the field, writing incident reports, or reviewing member time logs, among other things. The leader will be compensated for required leader training, hours worked each weekend, and post-program wrap up tasks.

Required Qualifications

Experience working with high school youth or young adults (18 years old ); Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must be able to complete required 2-week Crew Leader training; Must be a minimum of 21 years of age; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must have a valid driver's license for 3 years and MVR that meets SCA standards; Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No housing provided; Persons must already have secured housing locally prior to starting the position; Candidates must confirm housing during phone screen or interview

Compensation

$850/weekly pay; 40-hour work weeks; $45 monthly cell phone stipend

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

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driver Training

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.