The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America’s #1 conservation service organization seeks qualified applicants to lead, educate, and inspire young adult women in The SCA Chicago’s All Women’s Conservation Crew.
Program Dates: August 25th –September 2nd
Training Dates: (40 hrs/week): SCA Virtual Project Leader Training April 18th-22nd, followed by local in-person Chicago training April 25th-29th
Primary Responsibilities: Supervise a crew of 6 young-adult women, ages 18+, in the completion of various conservation projects within the Chicago Park District natural areas (mainly Hegewisch Marsh, Indian Ridge Marsh, Steelworkers Park, Big Marsh Park). The Crew Leader will manage the crew in activities using hand and power tools to complete projects such as: trail/park maintenance; habitat restoration; invasive species removal; herbicide application; and leading stewardship days. Leader will be responsible for managing the group in environmental education workshops, certificate trainings and outdoor recreation. Leader will also be responsible for capturing project outcomes through photo documentation, data collection, reporting, and evaluations. Crew leader will have additional support from an Assistant Crew Leader on the team. As long as COVID-19 is a threat, Crew Leaders (and members) are expected to do what is necessary to keep their team safe, this includes regular cleaning and disinfection of tools/equipment, regular health check-ins with staff, wearing a mask, and enforcing/following policy and procedures outlined in SCA’s COVID management plan
Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
- Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
- Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
- Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
- Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff
Qualifications: Must be a self-identified woman, 21 yrs or older; valid drivers license for 3+ years and clean driving record; Current ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards; current basic First Aid and CPR certifications; State of Illinois herbicide license or willing to obtain one before program start date; outdoor skills; experience working with diverse groups; ability to maintain a safe, productive and enjoyable work environment. Plant identification skills and knowledge of midwestern ecology strongly preferred. Hand and power tool experience strongly preferred.
Conditions of Employment:
Beginning on 1/18/22, all new SCA program participants are required to be fully vaccinated. Up to date vaccination is defined as having received a booster shot six months after the Pfizer and Moderna primary series and two months after the Johnson & Johnson primary series. Visit the following website for more information, including medical and religious exemptions: www.thesca.org/covid
Compensation: $20.00 an hour; 40/hours a week, paid training
