Field Leader

Position Summary

Join a dynamic crew on a mission to green NW Indiana You'll hit the ground running in communities like Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting—planting and caring for native trees to boost urban canopy and transform neighborhoods. Partner with passionate community organizations, power up your skills through SCA-led trainings, and energize local volunteers at hands-on events. Help spark awareness, inspire stewardship, and grow a healthier, more vibrant urban forest—one tree, one block, one community at a time.

Location

Hammond, IN

Schedule

March 2, November 14, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Crew Supervision & Safety: Supervise crew members during daily tasks, model and demonstrate SCA policies and expectations for crew members, maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment as per SCA's Field Guide; TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: Provide training in conservation skills, tool usage, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development, work with local staff to ensure crew is properly train for any work that is expected for members; WORK PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Lead and oversee work projects (e.g., trail maintenance, habitat restoration, tree planting and maintenance), managing tool maintenance, equipment logistics, scheduling, and timely completion; TEAM OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS: Coordinate daily and weekly tasks, transportation, tool logistics, and equipment for efficient team operations; RISK MANAGEMENT: Assess and actively manage risks to ensure a safe work environment, work with local program staff to review any safety concerns, complete JHA (job hazard analysis) before any new element or location of project work; RELATIONSHIP & COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT: Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners, local staff and members. Communicate major changes regarding all program logistics, attending weekly check in with program staff, and representing SCA professionally; ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Plan and conduct educational sessions aligned with SCA's Conservation Curriculum to enhance environmental understanding and stewardship, support in the field learning, work with local staff to develop and implement educational instructions and activities to youth; ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES: Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, end of season leader report and budget reconciliation. Weekly check-ins with program staff, administrative tasks will require approximately 5 hours per week outside of the crew workday; PROGRAM REPRESENTATION: Professionally represent SCA in all interactions with agency partners, crew members, parents, and the community.

Marginal Duties

ENVIRONENTAL EDUCATION: Leaders will be responsible for planning one crew outing and working with local staff for support

ADDITIONAL: Leaders will work closely with municipal, community and USFS partners to ensure quality of project work, supporting the management of SCA vehicle and trailer, managing crew dynamics in the field, collaborating with local organizations and SCA managed teams on joint workdays, other duties required for successful completion of project.

Required Qualifications

YOUTH EXPERIENCE: Documented experience with youth and young adults (ages in an educational, mentorship, and/or conservation capacity.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Documented experience leading groups of three or more individuals. At least one year of leadership experience.

DRIVING & BACKGROUND CHECK: Must have a valid driver's license for 3 or more years and meet SCA's MVR and criminal background check standards.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum age of 21, authorized to work in the U.S., able to attend mandatory SCA training sessions.

CERTIFICATION: CPR certification &/or Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training.

Preferred Qualifications

TEACHING: Experience with environmental education or teaching is a plus. Some experience leading outdoor activities, creating and facilitating small group activities, ability to create and implement lesson plans;

SKILLS: Proficiency in outdoor skills (e.g., hiking, tree identification, Leave No Trace principles) and conservation techniques (e.g., urban forestry, habitat restoration, invasive species removal). Candidates with experience driving trailers.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

No living accommodations are provided for this position. Leaders are expected to be local to the program with a reliable source of transportation.

Compensation & Benefits

$880 weekly stipend

$1,000 travel budget for SCA approved leader training and leader travel

WFA Training

SCA Leader Training

$200 leader service clothing budget

$45 monthly cellphone reimbursement

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

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Aid Training

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.

Salary : $45