Urban Green- The Morton Arboretum Crew Member

Position Summary

SCA Morton Arboretum Crew will work with Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff the and community partners to assist with tree planting, maintenance and various environmental projects that support and help train community members in urban forestry stewardship. The Crew will have access to the Arboretum's tree care networking and training workshops for professional development and career exposure. The Crew will perform tree planting and watering as green storm-water infrastructure and habitat enhancement in their communities. Crew Members will work with CRTI staff attend CRTI trainings to ensure safe and effective tree canopy conservation as well as training in basic digital mapping and data collection techniques. The crew will y will also engage with the public community at volunteer events across the 7 county Chicagoland region including but not limited to tree plantings, resource deliveries and tree maintenance support. There will be opportunities for the crew to work interdepartmentally with The Morton Arboretum staff and support scientific research. Crew Members meet at The Morton Arboretum and are transported to their work sites by designated drivers of the Crew work vehicle. The Crew will be helping in multiple ways during their position with Morton Arboretum and Chicago Regional Tree Initiative staff while being.

Schedule

May 5, 2025 - October 31, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Crew Members will serve outdoors and can expect to collaborate with a team to perform tree planting and watering as green storm water infrastructure and habitat enhancement in their communities. Crew Members are expected to attend SCA provided trainings to ensure safe and effective tree canopy conservation as well as training in basic digital mapping and data collection techniques. They are also expected to interact and engage with local community members in tree care at designated volunteer events.
Initial trainings will be held for all types of service activities. A service and watering schedule will be created and monitored by the crew leader and Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) staff.
Crew Members meet at Morton Arboretum and are transported to their work site each day by the Crew Leader

Marginal Duties

• Watering plants (following CRTI watering guidance): using a flow meter and checking soil moisture to determine watering needs.
• CRTI Watering Guidance Resource Sheet (http://tinyurl.com/CRTI-Tree-Watering-Guidance)
• Develop clear site maps with plants geocoded will be provided to ensure each plant location
• Professional development: time will be allotted for SCA to attend workshops, webinars, and other training events to build their own networks and learn more about the many career options in urban forestry.
• Following the instruction of their crew leader as well as Morton Arboretum\ CRTI Staff

Required Qualifications

• Experience with work outdoors in a team environment
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail

• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must

• Excitement to work in a fast-paced learning environment where you'll be improving the Chicagoland tree canopy and contributing to regional science experiments
• Must be able to complete the whole length of the position
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US

Preferred Qualifications

Hours

35 per week

Living Accommodations

none for this position

Compensation

$19.00 the hour at 40 hours a week

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Additional Benefits

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.