Field Leader- Reading Climate Corps

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Since 1957, program participants have protected and restored national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country. The Reading Climate Corps is based in Reading, PA and will be comprised of 4 Members, 1 Assistant Field Leader, and 1 Field Leader. The Corps will meet in a central location in Reading each day and transportation will be provided to project sites in Reading. This program provides entry-level positions with the goal of connecting people with nature. The program is 85% conservation field work. Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites. The remaining 15% of time will be spent on workforce development and leadership training. Program participants must have a desire to work outside and in varying weather conditions.

This program meets Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, for a total of 40 hours worked per week.

Schedule

January 27, 2025 - July 14, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Field Leader will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, direction, support and supervision of 4 Members and 1 Assistant Field Leader performing climate and sustainability-oriented work;

The Field Leader will serve as a supervisor and mentor to the Members and Assistant Field Leader and be responsible for the Corps' overall service, performance, and safety.;

Act as a Supervisor by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding Corps dynamics;

Serve as an Advisor, by training Members in technical conservation work skills, supporting personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship;

Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA. The Field Leader will interact and collaborate with several service partners in the field on a weekly basis;

Creating and maintaining a safe service and project environment; consistently monitoring all aspects of Member safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment; and building a culture of safety within the Corps;

Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff;

The leader will complete administrative tasks outside of the workday. These tasks will take up to 5 hours pers week to complete;

Communicating problems, schedule changes and other issues to the Program Manager and service partner(s) where appropriate in a prompt fashion;

Operating assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools safely and professionally, including driving the Corps to and from project work sites in a 7-passenger minivan;

Overseeing tool, equipment and material inventory and management

Marginal Duties

The leader will complete administrative tasks outside of the workday. These tasks will include reporting, coding, project work output logs, and will take up to 5 hours pers week to complete;

Required Qualifications

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

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 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;

CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training;

Knowledge of the City of Reading and Berks County geography and community;

Preferred Qualifications

TEACHING: Experience with environmental education or teaching is a plus;

LANGUAGE: Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing not provided as part of this position.

Compensation

Salaried position paying $800 per week. Leader is paid on a biweekly basis.

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

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

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.