Job Description

Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Program

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County seeks participants for the 2025 Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Program. The crew will spend their first week learning job skills that will prepare them for the program and give them skills that they can use in the future. They then engage in rewarding and valuable physical work outdoors on conservation and restoration projects in the Forest Preserves of Cook County including trail work, invasive species removal, and nature center projects in a team with ten other crew members and their adult leaders. Throughout each week time will be devoted to learning about the local ecology and environment. Once a crew member is hired, they will usually be placed at the forest preserve work site that is closest to their home. Crew members can meet on-site if they live close to the nature center, or we can provide transportation from a local designated pick-up and drop-off site for members who do not have transportation to the worksite. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Little Red School House, Sandridge Nature Center, River Trail Nature Center.

July 14, 2025 - August 8, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Co-lead, supervise, transport, and mentor a team of 10 high school youth, ages 15-19 for five weeks (Mon-Fri, 32 hours/week). Complete an assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and plan and lead weekly educational field days. Communicating with Forest Preserve staff to complete and track projects. Administrative and reporting duties are required as they relate to data management, photo documentation, and youth assessments. Crew leaders will also be expected to facilitate a provided environmental education curriculum, as well as complete a summer final report on the program.

Marginal Duties

• 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

Required Qualifications

Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education a plus

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 most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more

Current First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training

Must be able to attend both SCA and Local Crew Leader training

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age

Must have ability to legally work in the US

Must have a valid driver's license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards

Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards

Must be able to obtain a State of Illinois herbicide license or are willing to obtain one before program start date

Knowledge of mid-western ecology, or knowledge of the forest preserves is a big plus

Preferred Qualifications

Hours

32 per week

Living Accommodations

None offered for this position

Compensation

$752 weekly rate. Working 32 hours per week. Paid bi-weekly. 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

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

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