Urban Green - Cleveland Community Tree Care Crew Member

SCA AmeriCorps Cleveland Tree Care Team Member

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historical landmarks, and community spaces across the country.

This position is part of SCA's National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages young people ages 1824, who are disconnected from school or work, in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria.

The OYSI program is focused on providing young adults opportunities to grow competitive skills in the field of natural resource management to prepare them to move into conservation jobs after their term of service. Skills will include hands-on conservation service experience, professional development training, and nationally recognized certifications.

SCA's Cleveland Tree Care Team works together to advance maintaining Cleveland's urban forest in low-canopy neighborhoods. The team is partnering with community groups that have identified priority tree care needs, including watering, young tree training and pruning, mulching, staking, and fencing, invasive plant removal, general site maintenance, and tracking. In addition, the crew will engage with the local community and partner organizations by supporting related community tree care projects, sharing information about the benefits trees provide, and additional community engagement projects centered on collaboration, learning, and the forest.

The Cleveland Tree Care Team will consist of 3 young adult members (18 years of age or older) and 1 Team Leader. Members meet at a centralized location and are transported in an SCA vehicle to their work sites each day by the Team Leader. The team will work together through a variety of weather conditions during their season, and work will primarily take place outdoors. Members should feel able to perform physical labor outdoors for up to 8 hours per day, and lift and carry 50 lbs or more. In addition, members can expect regular informal interaction with the public, including community tree steward volunteers, and those curious about the work the team is doing.

Team members will be supervised in the field by an experienced SCA Team Leader. All team members are expected to be respectful, on-time, hardworking, and aware of conditions to ensure a safe service environment.

Members of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) AmeriCorps Tree Care Team will make a real, hands-on difference to the survival and growth of Cleveland's tree canopy by providing care and watering to recently planted trees. As a member, you'll serve alongside other young adults on your team as well as volunteer community members to conduct hands-on conservation projects, including tree maintenance and watering, invasive species removal, and ongoing land stewardship work. Team members will receive certifications and opportunities for future leadership and career opportunities in urban and community forestry and conservation.

Schedule

August 24, 2026- December 11, 2026

Hours

Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm

Some evening hours may be required to attend community events or trainings.

A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.

Service Location

Reports to: The Student Conservation Association, 4500 Lee Rd, Cleveland OH

Service will be performed at various planting sites in the Cleveland metropolitan region, primarily within Cuyahoga County

AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement

450 hours required for AmeriCorps award eligibility

Essential Functions

Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required.

Commitment to serving as a productive team member; demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.

Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation.

Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.

Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.

The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.

Marginal Functions

Assist with tracking and reporting on participant and program data;

Assist with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials;

Assists with inspection and maintenance of program vehicles;

Supports coordination of transportation, safety protocols, accessibility needs, and other supplies for programs.

Required Qualifications

Emotional and Intellectual Requirements:

Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and members;

Function as part of a team;

Understand verbal and/or written communication;

Must be dependable, flexible, and cooperative;

Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand without prompting;

Accepting of leadership and supervisory authority; and

Completes tasks appropriately and in a timely manner.

Work together as a team to complete projects, sustaining a productive workplace culture;

Engage respectfully with community members to advance urban tree canopy equity and build trust;

Participate in related forestry projects and events in collaboration with land managing partners

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift 50 lbs, and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 5 miles.

Hike up to 5 miles, often while carrying a backpack, tools, and equipment

Lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds

Maintain and plant trees in qualifying census tracts, advancing environmental justice and sustaining Cleveland's urban tree canopy;

Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain

Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program, and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

Being at least 18 years or older;

Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;

Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

Preferred Qualifications

Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities is preferred.

Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field is preferred.

Commitment Required

The program's term of service is a 3-month (Quarter-Time, 450 hours) commitment.

Members will serve 40 hours per week.

Living Accommodations

Living accommodations are not provided as part of this position.

Personal Vehicle Requirement

Personal Vehicle is not required for this position.

Compensation

Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week

Amount of Commuting Allowance member will receive: $150/week

Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $1,956.35

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

Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps

Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans

Training and Additional Benefits

Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours

AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation

SCA Risk Management

Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace

Workforce Development, Job Readiness, and mentorship (regular, interactive trainings monthly)

Introduction to conservation organizations and individuals in Cleveland; opportunity to network

General Physical and Emotional Requirements

Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.

Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program