Urban Green – Morton Arboretum Tree Conservation Crew

The Urban Green – Morton Arboretum Tree Conservation Crew will work with the Chicago Region Tree Initiative to assist in tree planting, maintenance, and environmental projects in the Chicagoland area. Crew members will engage with the community, attend training, and perform various tasks related to urban forestry stewardship. The position requires working outdoors and meeting onsite at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL from May to October 2026.
Position Summary

SCA Morton Arboretum Crew will work with Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff 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 and 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 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 Region Tree Initiative staff. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative is The Morton Arboretum’s urban and community forestry program, working to improve people’s lives by supporting the health, diversity, and equitable distribution of trees in the Chicago region and throughout Illinois.

Location

Lisle, IL

Schedule

May 4, 2026 – October 30, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with their Crew Leader, with facilitating teamwork, completing field-based tasks, participating in crew dynamics, checking in with Crew Leader on projects, adhering to the crew work schedule, and maintaining crew equipment • Assisting the Crew Leader, 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 • Assisting the Crew Leader and Senior Member, by organizing logistics, tracking their work hours on their ADP timesheet, completing documentations, and Output logs

Marginal Duties

tool maintenance, watering, mulching

Required Qualifications

• Experience working outdoors in a team environment • Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, tree maintenance, 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 • Excitement to work in a fast-paced learning environment where you’ll be improving the Chicagoland tree canopy and contributing to regional science experiment • Able to meet onsite at the Morton Arboretum • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age • Must have the ability to legally work in the US

Preferred Qualifications

Local, tree identification exp, tree maintenance exp,

Hours

35 per week

Living Accommodations

no living accommodations for this position

Compensation

• $19 an hour at 35 hours/week • CPR/First Aid • Be eligible for Open lands-Chicago Arborist Apprenticeship next season

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

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

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.