Urban Green- Chicago All Womens Crew Member

The Student Conservation Association is hiring an All Women's Crew Member in Chicago, IL, to work on environmental conservation projects with a focus on urban climate resilience. Responsibilities include trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. The position runs from May to October 2025, requires teamwork in outdoor settings, and candidates must meet AmeriCorps eligibility. Preference is given to women-identifying applicants.
Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.
SCA's National Direct AmeriCorps program advances urban climate resilience by protecting, restoring and enhancing public lands and waters as well as natural, cultural, and historical resources across the United States. Service activities focus on projects identified as critical stewardship projects that improve and protect at-risk ecosystems and resources, especially in underserved urban communities.

Project Location: Chicago Metro Region

Position Description:
The SCA All Womens Young Adult Crew, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, will complete various conservation projects within Chicago Park District natural areas. Activities include using hand and power tools to complete projects such as: trail/park maintenance; habitat restoration; invasive species removal; herbicide application; and leading stewardship days.

Crew member's service will focus on projects at the following sites: Hegewisch Marsh, Indian Ridge Marsh, Big Marsh, and Steelworkers Park. The crew will also participate in environmental education workshops, certificate trainings and outdoor recreation.

The team will consist of 3 members and 1 leader. Preference will be given to women-identifying applicants. We welcome cis and trans women, as well as non-binary and gender non-conforming people.

Schedule

May 5, 2025 - October 31, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Trail/park maintenance
• Habitat restoration
• Invasive species removal
• Herbicide application
• Leading stewardship days

Marginal Duties

Meet at Bike Marsh Bike Park, complete SCA Output logs, Track their hours online, maintaining crew equipment.

Required Qualifications

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements**:
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps National Direct member. All requirements and benefits are denoted by an asterisk. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
• Being at least 18 years or older;
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.

Additional Member Qualifications and Essential Functions
• All team members must be able to obtain an Illinois Herbicide Operator License within the first two weeks of the position. Training materials will be provided upon hiring.

Experience working as a part of a team in an outdoor setting

Hours

35 per week

Living Accommodations

We do not offer housing for this position

Compensation
• Living allowance: $660/week living allowance (pre-tax)^
• Eligibility for 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,447.50 upon successful completion of service.^
• AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
• Access to a national network of professional resources and a peer group**

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

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

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

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.