The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, seeks a Field Leader for the Cleveland Tree Care Team. You will lead a team of three young adults in urban forestry projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and environmental justice in underserved communities.
What You'll Do
- 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 skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship.
- Act as a Project Manager by communicating with agency partners, ensuring timely project completion, 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.
- Supervise crew members daily, maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment.
- Lead and oversee work projects such as watering and habitat restoration, managing tools, equipment, and scheduling.
- Coordinate food planning, transportation, and tool logistics for efficient team operations.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners, handling all program logistics professionally.
- Provide training in conservation skills, tool usage, leadership, and personal development.
- Assess and actively manage risks to ensure a safe work environment.
- Plan and conduct educational sessions aligned with SCA's Conservation Curriculum.
- Manage program documentation, including paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, and budget reconciliation.
- Professionally represent SCA in all interactions with partners, crew, parents, and the community.
What We're Looking For
- Documented experience working with young adults (ages 18-25) in an educational, mentorship, or conservation capacity.
- Experience with hands-on outdoor conservation work such as landscaping, trailbuilding, or tree care.
- A valid driver's license for 3 or more years and ability to meet SCA's MVR and criminal background check standards.
- Minimum age of 21.
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
- Ability to attend mandatory SCA training sessions, including possible out-of-town leadership training.
- CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or an approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent.
Team & Environment
You will lead a team consisting of 3 young adult members (18 years of age or older). You are responsible for their supervision and transportation.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $850/week living allowance (pre-tax).
- SCA warm weather uniform package.
- Four (4) days of paid time off (PTO) during the field season (June 8 - September 15).
- Access to a national network of professional resources and alumni peer group.
- Training valued at $2000+, including SCA Field Leader Training, Wilderness First Aid, ongoing professional development, and urban forestry training with options for relevant certifications.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position based at community tree planting sites in and around Cleveland.
SCA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity characteristics or expressions.
