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Want To Help Make Chicago Greener?

Join the SCA’s Urban Green program to get the skills and experience to launch an environmental career. Plant trees, restore habitats, and explore Chicago’s unique environment. We offer both paid and volunteer opportunities for teens and young adults, including seasonal work, internships and single-day projects.

Why SCA Urban Green Chicago?

  • Paid opportunities: Earn money while making a difference.
  • Real-world experience: Build trails, plant trees and learn valuable skills.
  • Career development: Explore green job pathways and gain leadership experience.
  • Chicago focus: Work with top organizations to protect Chicago’s parks and natural spaces.

Since 2010, the SCA has been empowering young people in Chicago to protect the environment and create a healthier, more sustainable city.

Current Opportunities

  • Urban Green – Urban Forestry Team Field Leader

    The SCA is seeking Field Leaders (age 21+) to supervise 10 Urban Forestry Team members participating in our Introduction to Urban Forestry afterschool program. Members of the Urban Forestry Team will work together to care for Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s urban tree canopy. The team will have weekly online meetings to learn about the benefits of having more trees in the community, tree maintenance and care. The crew will then meet on Saturdays to put what they learned online into practice. The team will work on urban forestry projects, including tree maintenance, watering, mulching, and invasive species removal across various neighborhoods while developing job readiness skills. Expected dates: Oct. 3 – Dec. 21, 2024. Pay: $23/hr.

    Apply Now
Skills & Training

Professional Development

Urban Green members learn how to work with a diverse team of peers; gain knowledge of public land resources, environmental issues, and career readiness skills; increase their understanding of environmental and trail restoration techniques; acquire experience in public service and outdoor recreation; and develop valuable professional skills through teambuilding and leadership activities.

CPR Certification & First Aid Icon CPR Certification
Financial Literacy Icon Financial Literacy
Habitat Restoration & Planting Trees Icon Habitat Restoration
Wildlife, Animals Monitored Icon Leave No Trace

Outdoor Ethics

Resume Building, Onboarding Icons Resume Building
Trail Skills Icon Trail Skills

Key Partners

Thanks to generous support from local and national parks, environmental organizations, schools, youth development organizations, corporations and community groups, the SCA continues to provide conservation opportunities for youth in Chicago and the region.

Empowering the Next Generation

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SCA crew members walking along trail

Future Leaders

Hear what Urban Green crew members say about the program.

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Kemp's ridley sea turtles in the sand

Our Programs

Protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries and community green spaces across the U.S.

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Urban Green New York City members planting a tree

Join the Crew

Be a part of the movement to protect the planet and the communities we serve.

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SCA Crew

About the SCA

We are the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults.

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Contact Us

SCA Chicago Office
Samuel Vergara, Chicago Program Manager
P.O. Box 23288
Chicago, IL 60623
Phone: (312) 239-1661 Ext: 6009
Email: svergara@thesca.org