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 Urban Green Philadelphia Youth Conservation Crew is based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The Spring and Summer 2026 Youth Conservation Crews will be led by 2 Field Leaders, ages 21+, and consist of 10-11 youth Crew Members, ages 15 to 18. 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.

During the Spring, the Crew will work 12 Saturdays starting in early March and going through early June. During the Summer, the Crew will work Monday to Friday for 6 weeks.

Field Leaders will work 40 hours a week - a Tuesday through Saturday schedule in the Spring and a Monday to Friday schedule in the Summer - and will be based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Leaders will lead the Youth Conservation Crew on their workdays and work alongside and support John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge staff in the departments of maintenance, education, and/or biology, as well as complete administrative and preparation tasks for the Crew, on days that the Crew does not work.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Schedule

February 23, 2026 - August 21, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Supervise 10 high school Crew Members performing environment and conservation-oriented work on Saturday workdays and be responsible for the Crew’s overall service, performance, and safety.

Mentor the Youth Conservation Crew by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, encouraging professional, personal, and development, and training and teaching Members in technical conservation work skills and environmental stewardship.

Work directly with the John Heinz NWR Biology, Environmental Education, and/or Maintenance departments and supporting and increasing the capacity of staff in those departments, through responsibilities ranging from invasive species management and ecological conservation to elementary-aged youth programming development and implementation to trail maintenance and upkeep.

Communicate with partners, community members, and volunteers, ensure successful and timely completion of work projects, and uphold a positive representation of SCA.

Implement firm risk and safety measures by consistently monitoring all aspects of Crew Member and personal safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and the professional and safe operation of all vehicles, equipment, and tools.

Marginal Duties

Complete administrative and organizational tasks, including communicating with SCA and John Heinz NWR staff, following a budget, tracking time, supplies, and tools, completing documentation and reports in timely managers, and keeping a workday schedule and time flow.

Oversee and manage tool, equipment, and material inventory

Age Requirement

Adults 21 or older

Required Qualifications

• Must be able and willing to work full-time at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• US Work Authorization
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards.
• Perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, in exposed to the elements, and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more.
• CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required*

*Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training

Preferred Qualifications

• Conservation or related work skills – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
• Project management and/or coordination and/or administration, including physical organization, time management, schedule organization, and timely paperwork.
• Ability to work independently and display self-initiative throughout all responsibilities, as well as work and communicate well with colleagues and peers.
• Curiosity to learn and to support the mission and values of SCA and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
• Strong leadership, teaching, mentorship, collaboration, and written, spoken, and interpersonal communication skills, especially with youth and young adults.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

N/A

Compensation

$750/week stipend, paid biweekly (every two weeks) via direct deposit.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Additional Benefits

Health Insurance

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

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.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (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.

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.