What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Leader- Calumet Urban Forestry Crew position at Student Conservation Association?
Position Summary
This crew will serve NW Indiana communities including but not limited to Gary, Hammond, East Chicago and Whiting. The crew will work with each community to plant and care for native and naturalized trees in an effort to increase tree canopy and equity in disadvantaged or underserved neighborhoods. The crew will work with local community-based organizations, participate in SCA led trainings, support volunteer engagement events and build awareness around urban forestry.
Schedule
March 3, 2025 - November 14, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Crew Supervision & Safety : Supervise crew members during daily tasks, maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment as per SCA's Field Guide;
- TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT : Provide training in conservation skills, tool usage, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development;
- WORK PROJECT MANAGEMENT : Lead and oversee work projects (e.g., trail maintenance, habitat restoration), managing tool maintenance, equipment logistics, scheduling, and timely completion;
- TEAM OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS : Coordinate daily task, transportation, tool logistics, and equipment for efficient team operations;
- RISK MANAGEMENT : Assess and actively manage risks to ensure a safe work environment;
- RELATIONSHIP & COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT : Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners, handling all program logistics and representing SCA professionally;
- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION : Plan and conduct educational sessions aligned with SCA's Conservation Curriculum to enhance environmental understanding and stewardship;
- ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES : Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, and budget reconciliation. Weekly check-in's with program staff, Administrative tasks will require approximately 5 hours per week outside of the crew workday;
- PROGRAM REPRESENTATION : Professionally represent SCA in all interactions with agency partners, crew members, parents, and the community.
Marginal Duties
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
TEACHING : Experience with environmental education or teaching is a plus; SKILLS : Proficiency in outdoor skills (e.g., hiking, tree identification, Leave No Trace principles) and conservation techniques (e.g., urban forestry, habitat restoration, invasive species removal). Candidates with experience driving trailers are highly preferred.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
No living accommodations are provided for this position. Leaders are expected to be local to the program with a reliable source of transportation.
Compensation
880 weekly stipend $250 travel WFA Training $300 value, SCA Leader Training $1,200 value,
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
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.
Salary : $250
