Transform Your Future With SCA Urban Green!
Ready to make a real impact on the environment in Philadelphia and nearby Reading, PA? Our paid program gives you hands-on experience building trails, restoring natural areas, and learning about southeastern Pennsylvania’s unique ecosystem.
Why Join SCA Urban Green?
What We Offer:
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 crew members (ages 14-18) to join the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge Urban Green Youth Crews based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Each crew will consist of five youth members and two adult (age 21+) leaders who will work together on environmental conservation projects including improving trails and gardens, managing invasive species and planting native plants and trees. The program also includes opportunities for environmental education, leadership development and outdoor recreation. The Crew will meet in a central location in Philadelphia each day and transportation will be provided to project sites.
Expected Dates: July 7 – Aug 15: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pay: $11/hr.
Apply NowThe SCA is seeking Field Leaders (age 21+) to supervise and train the 2025 Urban Green Philadelphia Youth Crew based out of John Heinz Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The crew will consist of five youth members (ages 14-18) and two leaders who will work together on environmental conservation projects including improving trails and gardens, managing invasive species and planting native plants and trees. Leaders will also engage their crews through environmental education, leadership development and outdoor recreation. The Crew will meet in a central location in Philadelphia each day and crew leaders will transport the crew in SCA vehicles to project sites.
Expected Dates: June 9 – Aug 15 Pay: $750/wk. plus a $45/month phone reimbursement
Apply NowThe SCA is seeking Field Leaders (age 21+) to supervise and train the 2025 Urban Green Philadelphia Youth Crew based out of John Heinz Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The crew will consist of five youth members (ages 14-18) and two leaders who will work together on environmental conservation projects including improving trails and gardens, managing invasive species and planting native plants and trees. Leaders will also engage their crews through environmental education, leadership development and outdoor recreation. The Crew will meet in a central location in Philadelphia each day and crew leaders will transport the crew in SCA vehicles to project sites.
Expected Dates: June 9 – Aug 15 Pay: $750/wk. plus a $45/month phone reimbursement
Apply NowUrban 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.
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.
Program Questions
Darien Manning – Program Manager
Email: DManning@thesca.org
Partnership Questions
Joanna Lemmon – Partnership Manager
Email: JLemmon@thesca.org