Urban Green – Calumet Forestry Crew Member

The Urban Green – Calumet Forestry Crew Member position at the Student Conservation Association involves planting and caring for trees in NW Indiana communities. Responsibilities include conservation work, education engagement, and leadership development. The role requires manual labor, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. The job runs from May 19, 2025, to November 7, 2025, with a schedule of 35 hours per week, and candidates must reside locally.
Position Summary

This crew will serve NW Indiana communities including but not limited to Gary, Hammond, East Chicago and Whiting. The crew will work with each community to plant and care for native and naturalized trees in an effort to increase tree canopy and equity in disadvantaged or underserved neighborhoods. The crew will work with local community-based organizations, participate in SCA led trainings, support volunteer engagement events and build awareness around urban forestry.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 – November 7, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

CONSERVATION WORK: Actively participating in conservation service tasks as assigned. Primarily watering and maintaining a tree yard, planting trees, watering trees, mulching trees, inspecting trees, data collection of trees, and working with the crew leader to prep sites for plantings; The crew will primarily work a M-F schedule with some Saturdays in the fall (October and November);

PREPARATION: Arriving at work prepared for the day’s activities, clearly communicating any and all tardiness or absence, and actively contributing to the overall success of the program and team ;

EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT: Engaging in environmental education and job readiness lessons, working with other local SCA crews for joint workdays, working with other partner organizations for environmental education, supporting SCA led community engagement events and presenting to peers;

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Contributing to leadership development and workforce skills training, attending member training, participation in any advance skills training that may be offered, and taking an active role in supporting volunteers during SCA managed community engagement events.

Marginal Duties

TRAINING PARTICIPATION: Participating in SCA led training sessions, attend partner led training sessions, participating in online and advance skills training when offered;

CREW SUPPORT: Supporting crew needs and project objectives as necessary.

Required Qualifications

WORK ETHIC: Possess a strong work ethic and willingness to work outdoors in challenging conditions and willing to learn;

MANUAL LABOR ABILITY: Be able to perform manual labor for up to 8 hours per day, occasionally lifting/moving 40 pounds or more;

LEGAL ELIGIBILITY: Be legally eligible to work in the United States.

US ELIGIBILITY: Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national;

MINIMUM AGE: Be at least 18 years old; EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Have a high school diploma or equivalent (or actively working to complete one);

BACKGROUND CHECKS: Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Checks, including background, sex offender, and FBI checks.

Preferred Qualifications

LOCAL PREFERENCE: Preference for local candidates, SCA alumni of Chicagoland & NW Indiana, previous SCA volunteers;

TEAMWORK INTEREST: Desire to engage in team-building activities and leadership development.

EDUCATION: Strong preference for candidates with a background in urban forestry or community engagement.

Hours

35 per week

Living Accommodations

There are no living accommodations provided with this program. Candidates should reside locally to the program with reliable source of transportation;

Compensation

HOURLY PAY: $18/hour for 35 hours per week, paid bi-weekly;

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: $200 uniform package provided by SCA, CPR & First Aid Certification valued at $150, Paid Holidays, $45 Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement;

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING: Access to a national network of conservation professionals and peers.

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.