Field Leader- The Morton Arboretum Crew

The Field Leader for The Morton Arboretum Crew will work with the Chicago Region Tree Initiative on tree planting, maintenance, and environmental projects. Responsibilities include public engagement at various events, conducting tree check-ups, and managing crew schedules. The position requires physical labor and involves training in urban forestry stewardship. The job is located in Chicago, IL, with scheduled work from April to November 2025.
Job Description

Position Summary

SCA Morton Arboretum Crew will work with Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff the and community partners to assist with tree planting, maintenance and various environmental projects that support and help train community members in urban forestry stewardship. The Crew will have access to the Arboretum’s tree care networking and training workshops for professional development and career exposure. The Crew will perform tree planting and watering as green storm-water infrastructure and habitat enhancement in their communities. Crew Members will work with CRTI staff attend CRTI trainings to ensure safe and effective tree canopy conservation as well as training in basic digital mapping and data collection techniques. The crew will y will also engage with the public community at volunteer events across the 7 county Chicagoland region including but not limited to tree plantings, resource deliveries and tree maintenance support. There will be opportunities for the crew to work interdepartmentally with The Morton Arboretum staff and support scientific research. Crew Members meet at The Morton Arboretum and are transported to their work sites by designated drivers of the Crew work vehicle. The Crew will be helping in multiple ways during their position with Morton Arboretum and Chicago Regional Tree Initiative staff while being.]

Schedule

April 15, 2025 – November 7, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

o Initial trainings will be held for all types of work. A weekly work and watering schedule will be created by the created the crew leader with support from CRTI staff during a weekly check in. CRTI staff will introduce projects to the crew and instruct on how to make a schedule. The crew leader will plan out how to implement the projects and will have significant freedom to manage the crew’s time. and monitored by the crew leader and Chicago Regional Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff so everyone is on the same page.o Watering trees and aid in maintaining trees with CRTI community partners. Physical labor is a significant part of this position and the crew leader needs to be prepared to keep morale high when performing manual labor in variable work environments plants (follow CRTI watering guidance linked below): must use a flow meter and check soil moisture (crew will be trained) to determine watering needs. Using rainfall totals for a given area is not sufficient to know how much water each plant needs. Taking the time to monitor and water sufficiently is the most critical factor for newly established plants. o Provide public facing engagement and outreach. CRTI provides outreach at venues across the Chicagoland region with a wide diversity of audiences. The crew leader needs to be comfortable talking to the public and encouraging the crew to do so as well. CRTI staff will aid in preparation for outreach events, but the crew needs to be comfortable with unanticipated questions. CRTI Watering Guidance Resource Sheet (link)o Conduct one-year tree check ups at previous CRTI planting sites. CRTI geolocates all trees that we plant with partners and the crew provides critical information on how the trees are faring during their first year in the ground. This project requires a significant amount of driving around the 7 county Chicago land area to reach sites. Clear site maps with plants geocoded will be provided to ensure each plant location is identified and cared for.o Professional development: time will be allotted for SCA to attend workshops, webinars, and other training events to build their own networks and learn more about the many career options in urban forestry.

Marginal Duties

Specifically, the Crew Leader will: • Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, checking in with Program Supervisors, and helping developing the crew work schedule• 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 The Morton Arboretum staff, CRTI 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 making sure work hours are being submitted on time

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 must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more • Comfortable creating and managing a work schedule for the crew. Knowledge of Google Workspace is a plus• Excitement to work in a fast-paced learning environment where you’ll be improving the Chicagoland tree canopy and contributing to regional science experiments• Experience driving a Cab Truck with a trailer hitch + trailer • Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age • Must have the ability to legally work in the US • Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards • CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

none for this position

Compensation

• $920 weekly stipend at 40 hours/week • Wilderness First Aid ($350 Value)• CPR/First Aid

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

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPRWilderness First Aid Training

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.