Urban Green - River Trail Nature Center - Summer 2026 Youth Crew

Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Program

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with 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 29, 2026 - July 30, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Making sure you arrive on time to your selected work location

• Assist your Crew Leaders with hands-on service projects over the summer in all weather conditions

• Assist your crew in natural habitat restoration and trail maintenance

• Properly using hand tools like loppers, bow saws, shovels, rakes, etc.

• Participate in all program Environmental Education days

• Recording your work hours, and filling out a proper timesheet

• Providing feedback, a positive work environment, and motivator for your crew

• Follow all program rules and regulations

Marginal Duties

• Assist with data and photo collection, program wrap-up & reporting.

• Assisting with Nature Center tasks

Required Qualifications

• 18 years old (15 year old would need a workers permit) enrolled in high school or a 2026 high school graduate.

• Willing to work with others as part of a team and be a positive teammate

• Willing to work outdoors doing physically strenuous activities in summer heat and conditions

• Be able to commit to attend the whole program (all 5 weeks)

• Able to attend an Orientation and an in person or virtual Zoom interview

• Complete all hiring paperwork from SCA, including the Workers Permit for those who need one

• Meet either at the worksite or the designated pick-up and drop-off location

Preferred Qualifications

Local to Chicago and Cook County

Hours

26 per week

Living Accommodations

No living accommodations offered for this position

Compensation

$15.00/hr (26 hours/week)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits

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.