Ready to make a real impact on the environment in Philadelphia and nearby Reading, Pa.? The SCA relaunched its Philadelphia Urban Green program in 2024 to provide paid opportunities for area youth to gain hands-on experience building trails, restoring natural areas, and learning about southeastern Pennsylvania’s unique ecosystem.
Why Join SCA Urban Green?
What We Offer:
To support the SCA’s mission in Philadelphia, make a gift today.
For more than 20 years, the Student Conservation Association has supported hands-on conservation programs across the Philadelphia region. The SCA’s Philadelphia Region Urban Green program offers paid conservation jobs and volunteer opportunities for teens and young adults. Participants will restore parks, build trails, gain environmental knowledge, and develop valuable career skills.
Our Philadelphia Youth Program is based at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Southwest Philadelphia.
The program offers paid entry-level positions for high school students interested in gaining professional skills while connecting with nature. During the school year, members meet on Saturdays, while summer programs occur during the week.
Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, urban gardening, community outreach events, and habitat restoration. Members will also participate in environmental education, leadership development, and workforce readiness activities. Be ready to work outdoors in varying weather conditions!
See below for current opportunities!
The Reading Conservation Corps, based in Reading, PA, was established in 2022 in partnership with the City of Reading.
This program is designed for young adults aged 18 and older and offers entry-level positions aimed at those interested in gaining professional skills while connecting with nature.
Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, habitat restoration, and litter abatement at various sites. Participants must be willing to conduct physical labor outdoors, use a variety of hand and power tools, and work in varying weather conditions for up to 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. The program also has a focus on workforce development and leadership training, with members participating in weekly career development sessions.
Applications for Summer 2025 are now closed.
Join The Crew!
The SCA is seeking an Urban Foresty Fellow for its 2026 Reading Conservation Corps in Pennsylvania. The Urban Forestry Fellow will work closely with the City of Reading Public Works Department and Berks Nature to research, catalogue, and inventory existing trees, assess and collect data on sites pertaining to invasive and native tree species, and develop location-specific stewardship and planting plans to inform the City’s plans for a tree nursery and future plantings. The Fellow will update existing land management plans, as well as create new ones, and start implementing plans in the Spring. Data collection, tree and plant identification, plan-writing, and communication are desired skills, as well as the ability to work independently and take initiative.
Program Dates: Aug. 24, 2026 – March 22, 2027
Pay: $1,400/bi-weekly
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 team building and leadership activities.
CPR & First Aid
Environmental Education
Habitat Restoration
Leave No Trace
Outdoor Ethics
Resume Building
Trail Skills
Thanks to generous support from local and national parks, city government, environmental organizations, youth development organizations and community groups, the SCA continues to provide conservation opportunities for youth throughout the Philadelphia region.
Program Questions
Darien Manning – Program Manager
Email: [email protected]
Partnership Questions
Joanna Lemmon – Partnership Manager
Email: [email protected]
Hear what Urban Green crew members say about the program.
Protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries and community green spaces across the U.S.
Be a part of the movement to protect the planet and the communities we serve.
We are the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults.
Join our community of supporters who care deeply about preserving parks, public lands and urban green spaces.
"*" indicates required fields
Protect What You Love widget on website
"*" indicates required fields