Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association provides Urban Green programs for high school students in the greater Seattle area and Western Washington. The Program Assistant will work as part of a team to assist in the operational and administrative aspects of the Seattle Urban Green Crews. The Program Assistant will provide support for program operations, while ensuring that site partner, leader, and member outcomes are achieved in a safe and responsible manner. Reporting directly to the SCA Pacific Northwest Program Manager, this position supports SCA Urban Green programming in the greater Seattle area and occasionally elsewhere in Western Washington. The Program Assistant plays a crucial role in the success of the program. This individual works closely with the Program Manager and other staff to train, supervise, and support Urban Green crews. Typical projects include trail construction & maintenance and invasive vegetation removal. The position requires weekly travel and overnight camping at various locations throughout Washington State.

The Program Assistant is a full-time, seasonal staff position serving from June 5 through September 30, 2024 (start and end potentially flexible), with a weekly salary of $975.00.

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Logistics

• Assist in the coordination and delivery of program orientations and trainings
• Coordinate logistics, maintenance, and repairs of the program's facilities and fleet vehicles as needed
• Assist with management of the SCA Seattle tool cache
• Provide support to leaders and members to ensure tools and equipment are in safe working order

Conservation Crew Support

• Assist with the field-based mentorship and professional development of crews including overnight field support via camping at locations throughout the state
• Model the SCA mission and values to members, partners, and the public
• Lead programs in alignment with SCA Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) policies and SCA Core Values
• Assist with the facilitation of crew operations including tools & equipment, vehicles, work site management, curriculum, and basecamp operations
• Interface with agency partners and other SCA staff

Program Administration

• Completion of required program reporting and documentation
• Assist with program purchasing, budget management, and reconciliation

• Ensure compliance with all SCA Risk Management policies & procedures

Experience and Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older
• 1-2 years prior experience in supervising young adults in an outdoor setting
• Ability to perform project work in both wilderness and non-wilderness settings, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Have a working knowledge of safely operating hand tools
• Strong communication skills when working with various external and internal partners
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Proven ability to multi-task and troubleshoot in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response
• Experience working with youth from racially and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability
• Experience deescalating emotionally charged situations and discussing available options
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines
• Experience working in conservation and strong technical outdoor skills (experience as a former SCA Crew Leader is a plus)
• Experience developing curricula or activities for high school and young adult audiences is a plus
• Experience managing a budget is a plus

Travel Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license and have a Motor Vehicle Record that meets SCA standards

• Excellent driving record and ability to drive in a variety of conditions
• The ability to travel for extended periods of time outside and over a variety of terrain

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.