Field Leader – Little Red Schoolhouse Youth Crew

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Field Leader for the Little Red Schoolhouse Youth Crew in Illinois. This position involves co-leading a team of 10 high school youth on conservation projects in Cook County from June 15 to August 7, 2026. Responsibilities include supervising, mentoring, and facilitating environmental education, as well as managing project logistics and communication with partners. Local candidates from Chicago and Cook County are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates Local to Chicago and Cook County encouraged to apply*

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership w/ the Forest Preserve District of Cook County seek Crew Members for the 2026 Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Program. Crew Members will spend their first week learning job skills that will prepare them for the program and give them skills that they can use in the future. They then engage in rewarding and valuable physical work outdoors on conservation and restoration projects in the Forest Preserves of Cook County including trail work, invasive species removal and nature center projects in a team with ten other crew members and their adult leaders. Throughout each week time will be devoted to learning about the local ecology and environment. Once a student is hired, they will usually be placed at the forest preserve work site that is closest to their home. Members can meet on-site if they live close to the nature center, or we can provide transportation from a local designated pick-up and drop-off site for members who do not have transportation to the worksite. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, Little Red School House, Sandridge Nature Center, River Trail Nature Center.

Location

Willow Springs, IL

Schedule

June 15, 2026 – August 7, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

¬Co-lead, supervise, transport, and mentor a team of 10 high school youth, ages 15-18 for five weeks (Mon-Fri, 32-35 hours/week). Complete an assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and plan and lead weekly educational field days. Communicating with Forest Preserve staff to complete and track projects. Administrative and reporting duties are required as they relate to data management, photo documentation, and youth assessments. Crew leaders will also be expected to facilitate a provided environmental education curriculum, as well as complete a summer final report on the program. Crew leaders will be given a work vehicle to provide transportation to crew members who cannot meet at the designated worksite.

Specifically, the Crew Leader will:
• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics
• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with agency park partners, ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA
• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing a budget, and communicating with SCA staff

Marginal Duties

providing environmental education, hosting crew games, vehicle maintenance, and tool maintenance.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education a plus
• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e. trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening
• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements and most occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required by the start of training
• Must be able to attend both SCA and Local Crew Leader training:
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• US Work Authorization
• Valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards
• Take SCA’s criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of mid-western ecology, or knowledge of the forest preserves is a big plus

Hours

32 per week

Living Accommodations

no living accommodation offered for this position. Local candidates encourages to apply.

Compensation

• Compensation: $736/week paid Bi-weekly

• Work Vehicle, Gas and Program Budget Card

• First aid and CPR Certification

• Alternative Herbicide License

• Paid training

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

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Building a great network of Environmental contacts

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.