Urban Green- DC Metro Schoolyear Youth Community Crew

Position Summary

This Saturday schoolyear crew, consisting of 2 adult Leaders and 5 local high school Members, will introduce young people to the fields of urban and community forestry and land conservation while supporting environmental stewardship in Washington, DC. Crew Members will complete a variety of hands-on conservation projects across 15 workdays throughout the schoolyear, including planting and maintaining trees and removing invasive species in neighborhoods with limited tree canopy and access to green space. Throughout the program, Members will also participate in environmental education, workforce development, leadership training, and green career exploration activities.

Hosting Organization

Casey Trees

Location

Washington, DC

• This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

15 Select Saturdays from October 2026 - May 2027; exact dates TBD

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with team members to complete outdoor hands-on projects
• Learn new skills in tree care, conservation, and invasive plant removal
• Participate in career builder activities.

Marginal Duties

• Complete feedback surveys
• Participate in professional development sessions like career panels and SMART Goal planning.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements
• Must be a minimum of 15 years of age and enrolled in high school
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US
• Must be able to obtain a DC Minor Work permit if applicable
• Must be able to complete SCA online onboarding new hire paperwork in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a team
• Open to learning new skills and more about conservation
• Outdoor work or volunteer experience a plus

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• 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 safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, 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 maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
• Able to independently manage all personal belongings.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing with supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing 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.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.;Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours

Part-time, intermittent position. Members will work approximately 15 Saturdays throughout the school year (exact dates to be determined). Each workday is an 8-hour shift.

Living Accommodations

No housing provided – candidates must live locally

Compensation

• $18/hour; biweekly pay schedule

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

Personal Vehicle Information

• Not needed

Driving

• Driving is not required

Additional Benefits

• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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.