What are the responsibilities and job description for the Urban Green-Chicago Urban Forestry Crew position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
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 be provided training, workshops and education following the SCA & Openlands pre-apprenticeship curriculum for professional development and career exposure. The Crew will perform tree planting, watering as green storm-water infrastructure, community outreach, and tree maintenance within Openlands’ projects. Working alongside Openlands arborists and apprentices, the SCA Crew will learn and follow industry standards, safely and effectively enact tree stewardship projects, and develop skills needed for a viable career in urban forestry. They will also engage with the communities and lead volunteers at community tree planting events.. The Crew meets at Openlands Forestry office and are transported to their work site each day by the Crew Leader or Openlands staff.
Schedule
June 2, 2025 - November 14, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Crew will perform tree planting, watering as green storm-water infrastructure, community outreach, and tree maintenance within Openlands’ projects. Working alongside Openlands arborists and apprentices, the SCA Crew will learn and follow industry standards, safely and effectively enact tree stewardship projects, and develop skills needed for a viable career in urban forestry. They will also engage with the communities and lead volunteers at community tree planting events. The Crew meets at Openlands Forestry office and are transported to their work site each day by the Crew Leader or Openlands staff.
Marginal Duties
Meeting at Openlands Forestry Office; Working as a team; Communicating and working with Community members; tracking your work hours; Bringing your lunch everyday; tool maintenance; tree maintenance; Tree transportation;
Required Qualifications
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., tree planting, maintenance, and urban forestry skills, 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 50 pounds or more • Experience driving with trailers • Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: • Must be a minimum of 18 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
Preferred Qualifications
Hours
35 per week
Living Accommodations
none
Compensation
$19 an hour @ 35 hrs a week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Additional Benefits
First Aid/CPR
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
Salary : $19
