Assistant Leader – River Trail Nature Center Youth Crew

The Student Conservation Association seeks Assistant Leaders for the River Trail Nature Center Youth Crew in Northbrook, IL. This role involves training and supervising high school students in conservation projects, including invasive species removal and environmental education. The position runs from June 22 to July 30, 2026, and emphasizes teamwork, job skills, and ecological knowledge. 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


Northbrook, IL



Schedule


June 22, 2026 – July 30, 2026



Key Duties and Responsibilities


Complete as a team an assortment of hands-on conservation and restoration projects within different areas in the Forest Preserves of Cook County and help co-lead weekly educational field days for high school students. During the summer (Part 1 of internship), crew members will act as Assistant Crew leaders (ACL) to a group of ten high school students at a local nature center through the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program (CCLC). CCLC youth conduct on hands-on conservation activities including invasive plant removal and train maintenance projects and participate in environmental education activities to gain knowledge about their local environment. During Part 2, interns will create a new team of 4 crew members with 2 crew leaders once the CCLC program ends. This newly formed crew ecological restoration will gain advanced conservation job skills and real-world experience to prepare one for future jobs in forestry and restoration skills. Work includes training and practice to remove invasive plants using herbicide, chainsaws, brush cutters as well as training to conduct brush pile burns, collect native seeds, and advanced ecology as designated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
During the fall portion of the program, the GAP Crew members will become certified in CPR/First Aid, receive their alternative herbicide certification, and gain certifications in chainsaw. As with all SCA crews, SCA Community Core Curriculum will be utilized to introduce topics such as self-care; mental health; Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; conservation ethics; environmental justice; and more.
Specifically, the Assistant Crew Leader will:
• Act as a Crew Supervisor Assistant, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, and guiding crew dynamics during the summer for high school youth
• Serve as an Advisor, by training youth in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship
• Act as a Project Manager Assistant, by communicating with your crew leaders, program partners, and other staff ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA and the Forest Preserves District of Cook County
• Perform tasks as a crew, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, communicating effectively, having regular check-ins with program staff



Marginal Duties


Leading Team building activities, leading ice breakers, and assiting with projects



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


26 per week



Living Accommodations


no living accommodations offered for this position. Local candidates encouraged to apply.



Compensation


$17.50 per hour for 26 hours weeks


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



Additional Benefits


First Aid/CPR



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.