Conservation Begins Here
John Heinz HS Crew Member
Position Summary
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Since 1957, program participants have protected and restored national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country. SCA's Philadelphia Youth Program is based at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. There will be 2 Crews, each with 5 youth Members and 2 adult Leaders. The Crew will meet in a central location in Philadelphia each workday and transportation will be provided to project sites. This program is an entry-level position with the goal of connecting young people with nature.
The program is 50-75% conservation field work, such as improving trails and gardens, managing invasive species, and planting native plants and trees and 25-50% environmental education, leadership development, environmental recreation, and workforce readiness. Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, community outreach events, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites.
This Crew will run for 6 weeks on Mondays to Fridays from 9am-4pm from July 7th to August 15th. Crew Leaders work approximately 40 hours per week and Crew Members work 35 hours per week.
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Schedule
July 7, 2025 - August 15, 2025
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Actively participate in conservation service tasks as assigned
- Use hand tools and work outside to complete conservation service projects
- Arrive at work prepared for the workday
- Engage and contribute to environmental education and job readiness lessons and activities
Marginal Duties
Other duties as needed to support project objectives
Age Requirement
Minors under 18
Required Qualifications
Current high school student between the ages of 14 - 18;
Participants need no prior experience, but do need to have a desire to work outside in all weather conditions, and a willingness to engage in team building activities;
Must have the ability to legally work in the US;
Preferred Qualifications
Preference for local candidates.
Hours
35 per week
Living Accommodations
None
Compensation
- Hourly position paying $11/hour
- 35 hours per week
- Member is paid bi-weekly
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
General Physical Requirements
- Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
- Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
- Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
- Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, and appropriate footwear.
- Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
- Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
- Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
- Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
- Able to manage all personal belongings without the assistance from a supervisor.
- If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing with supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
- Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
- Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.
- Able to move on cross-country skis or snowshoes over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions.
- Able to move equipment and supplies by sled and/or backpack over a variety of snow, ice, and trail conditions while using cross-country skis, snowshoes, or winter boots.
Working Conditions
Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous
Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives
Natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect to the land and local peoples
Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.
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.
