Urban Green - Fall 2026 RACC Community Forestry Young Adult Crew

Position Summary 

This Young Adult Crew, consisting of 1 Leader and 2 Young Adult Members, will support nature-based climate resilience efforts in vulnerable neighborhoods throughout Charles County, Maryland. The crew will carry out a variety of community forestry projects, programs, and activities, including maintaining more than 700 trees in pocket forests and at school sites through planting, watering, staking, mulching, and weeding. The crew may also develop and deliver educational programming to engage the public in community forestry and climate resilience, as well as support data collection and monitoring related to tree maintenance, urban heat, and air quality.

Hosting Organization

The Resilience Authority of Charles County, Inc.

Location 

Waldorf, MD

Schedule 

September 21, 2026 - November 27, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Work collaboratively with team members to complete outdoor hands-on projects; learn new skills in tree care, trail work, and park maintenance; support project planning by developing site work plans and educational programming; 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, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must be a minimum of 18 years of age; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must be able to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards; Must be able to complete SCA online onboarding new hire paperwork in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications 

Outdoor work experience a plus; Experience working in a team; Open to learning new skills and more about conservation.

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.

• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without 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 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

No housing - candidates must live near Charles County, Maryland

Compensation  

$20/hour; biweekly pay schedule

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

Members may have opportunities to participate in local community forestry conferences. 

Members may have opportunities to participate in Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals Training certificate program. 

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.