Field Leader- Philadelphia Youth Conservation Crew at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Since 1957, program participants have protected and restored national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green

spaces, and much more across the country.

SCA’s Urban Green Philadelphia Youth Conservation Crew is based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The Spring 2026 Youth Conservation Crew will be led by 2 Field Leaders, ages 21+, and consist of 10 youth Crew Members, ages 15 to 18. The Crew will meet in a central location in Philadelphia each

workday and transportation will be provided to project sites. This program is an entry-level position with the goal of connecting young people with nature. The program is 50-75% conservation field work, such as improving trails and gardens, managing invasive species, and planting native plants and trees, and 25-50%

environmental education, leadership development, environmental recreation, and workforce readiness.

The Crew will work 6 weeks in the Summer, July through August. Crew Members will work Mondays to Fridays, 9am-4pm, at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and in various sites throughout Southwest Philadelphia.

Field Leaders will work 40 hours a week, Mondays to Fridays, based at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

• Schedule

June 7, 2026 - August 21, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise 10 high school Crew Members performing environment and

conservation-oriented work and be responsible for the Crew’s overall service,

• performance, and safety.
• Mentor the Youth Conservation Crew by facilitating teamwork, managing

field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, encouraging professional, personal, and development, and training and teaching Members in technical conservation work skills and environmental stewardship.

• Communicate with partners, community members, and volunteers, ensure

successful and timely completion of work projects, and uphold a positive representation of SCA.

• Implement firm risk and safety measures by consistently monitoring all

aspects of Crew Member and personal safety including identification and removal of hazards, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, and the professional and safe operation of all vehicles, equipment, and tools.

Marginal Duties

Complete administrative and organizational tasks, including communicating with SCA and John Heinz NWR staff, following a budget, tracking time, supplies, and tools, completing documentation and reports in timely managers, and keeping a workday schedule and time flow. Oversee and manage tool, equipment, and material

inventory.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able and willing to work full-time at John Heinz National Wildlife

Refuge at 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153.

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Must have the ability to legally work in the US.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA

standards.

• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed

to the elements, and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more.

• CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course

equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader

• training

Preferred Qualifications:

• Conservation or related work skills – i.e., trail maintenance, trail

construction, habitat restoration, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening

• Project management and/or coordination and/or administration, including

physical organization, time management, schedule organization, and timely paperwork.

• Ability to work independently and display self-initiative throughout all

responsibilities, as well as work and communicate well with colleagues and peers.

• Curiosity to learn and to support the mission and values of SCA and John

Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

• Strong leadership, teaching, mentorship, collaboration, and written, spoken,

and interpersonal communication skills, especially with youth and young adults.

• Preference for local candidates based in Philadelphia

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Not provided.

Compensation:

$750/week stipend, paid biweekly (every two weeks) via direct deposit.

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

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Wilderness First Responder Training

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.