The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, is seeking a Crew Member for the Cleveland Tree Care Team. This role is part of the National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). You will perform hands-on conservation service to protect and restore Cleveland's urban forest in low-canopy neighborhoods while gaining job-skills training, professional development, and certifications to prepare for a career in conservation.
What You'll Do
- Perform tree care tasks including watering, young tree training and pruning, mulching, staking, and fencing.
- Conduct invasive plant removal and general site maintenance and tracking.
- Engage with the local community and partner organizations by supporting community tree care projects and sharing information about tree benefits.
- Assist with tracking and reporting on participant and program data.
- Assist with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials.
- Assist with inspection and maintenance of program vehicles.
- Support coordination of transportation, safety protocols, accessibility needs, and other supplies for programs.
What We're Looking For
- Must be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States.
- Must be at least 18 years or older.
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or be actively working to complete one.
- Willing to undergo a National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 5 miles.
- Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, and rain.
- Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
- Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork.
- Commitment to serving as a productive team member; demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.
- Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation.
- Willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and members.
- Function as part of a team.
- Understand verbal and/or written communication.
- Must be dependable, flexible, and cooperative.
- Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand without prompting.
- Accepting of leadership and supervisory authority.
- Completes tasks appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Work together as a team to complete projects, sustaining a productive workplace culture.
- Engage respectfully with community members to advance urban tree canopy equity and build trust.
- Participate in related forestry projects and events in collaboration with land managing partners.
Nice to Have
- Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities.
- Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field.
Technical Stack
- Hand tools and power tools.
Team & Environment
The team consists of 3 young adult members and 1 Team Leader. Team members will be supervised in the field by an experienced SCA Team Leader. Reporting is to the Student Conservation Association at 4500 Lee Rd, Cleveland OH.
Benefits & Compensation
- Living Allowance: $600/week.
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 for successful completion.
- AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation.
- Intercultural Competency certificate course.
- Master Rain Gardener with Chagrin River Watershed Partners.
- SCA Risk Management training.
- Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace training.
- Workforce Development, Job Readiness, and mentorship (regular, interactive trainings monthly).
- Introduction to conservation organizations and individuals in Cleveland; opportunity to network.
- Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps.
- Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position working in the Cleveland metropolitan region, primarily within Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
The Student Conservation Association and the U.S. Forest Service are equal opportunity employers.
