Urban Green - Davey Resource Group Ecological Restoration Crew Member

The Student Conservation Association is seeking an Ecological Restoration Crew Member for the Urban Green - Davey Resource Group. Crew members will manage and maintain diverse habitats, perform tasks like planting and invasive species control, and receive training in ecological restoration. The position runs from May 19 to September 13, 2025, based in Elmhurst, IL, requiring daily office meetings. Candidates must be 18+, with outdoor skills and the ability to work actively.
Position Summary

SCA crew members work under the direction of Environmental Restoration Technicians as well as Project Managers with Davey Resource to provide clients with the services and solutions needed to efficiently manage natural resources, comply with policies, and obtain regulatory permits. Members will inspect, manage, and maintain a wide range of habitats, both natural and disturbed. Daily tasks include native seed installation, native plug planting, tree/shrub installation, invasive species control, or other tasks related to habitat restoration. Members will receive on the ground training in hand and power tool use, herbicide application, and gain exposure to careers working for contracting agencies such as DRG. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in environmental education and professional development workshops/training, as well as travel for special projects across the state.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - September 13, 2025

Position Location: 910 S. Riverside Drive, Suite 5, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Members will inspect, manage, and maintain a wide range of habitats, both natural and disturbed. Daily tasks include native seed installation, native plug planting, tree/shrub installation, invasive species control, or other tasks related to habitat restoration. Members will receive on the ground training in hand and power tool use, herbicide application, and gain exposure to careers working for contracting agencies such as DRG. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in environmental education and professional development workshops/training, as well as travel for special projects across the state.
Project Work Summary:
• Plant ID
• Various IVC techniques, including backpack spraying
• Safety Tailgates/Topics
• small equipment operation
• You will be hiking with a backpack sprayer for invasive removal, completing SCA Output Logs, and track your work hours online.

Required Qualifications
• Must be 18 yrs or older
• Current ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
• ability to withstand the weather and being active on your feet for up to 8 hrs while carrying a 20 lb backpack
• outdoor skills and experience hiking in varying terrain and weather conditions
• ability to maintain a safe, productive and enjoyable work environment
• Must be able to obtain or have their Illinois Herbicide Operator License before the start of the position.
• Crew members must be able to participate for the entire length of the position.
• Ability to meet at the Davey Resource Group office every morning (unless planned otherwise) at: 910 S. Riverside Drive, Suite 5, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Preferred Qualifications
• Local Candidates encouraged to apply!
• Plant identification skills
• knowledge of mid-western ecology
• hand and power tool experience

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

The is none set up for this position

Compensation
• $18.50/hr for up to 40 hrs/week
• $27/hr for occasional optional overtime up to 5 additional hours/week
• Crew members should anticipate an average of 40 hrs/week of work. Some work may be offered on Saturdays, but is not mandatory

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.