Bay Area Conservation Jobs for Youth | Protect Parks, Build Skills

Transform the Bay Area’s environment and launch your green career!

Join SCA Urban Green and get paid to protect parks, build trails and explore outdoor careers. With a long history in the Bay Area, we connect you with projects from Vallejo to the Peninsula. The SCA fielded its first community conservation program in 1977. Since then, hundreds of youth in the Bay Area have participated in the SCA’s Urban Green programs.

Our Programs: Year-Round Opportunities

The SCA Bay Area Urban Green program offers two seasons of paid opportunities for high school students and young adults.

What You’ll Do:

Build Climate Resilience: Protect the Bay Area from the impacts of climate change.
Increase Outdoor Access: Create and maintain trails for everyone to enjoy.
Restore Habitats: Help native plants and animals thrive.
Conduct Research: Contribute to scientific understanding of our ecosystems.
Educate & Advocate: Share your passion for the environment with others.

Skills You’ll Gain:

Teamwork and Leadership
Environmental Knowledge
Trail Building and Restoration
Public Speaking and Outreach
Career Readiness Skills

Join the SCA and make a lasting impact on the Bay Area!

To support the SCA’s mission in the Bay Area, make a gift today.

Our Programs

SCA's San Francisco Bay Area Urban Green program offers two seasons of year-round paid opportunities for high school students and young adults.

Summer Programs | Ages 14-19

Summer Programs | Ages 14-19

Paid opportunities late June to early August including local or semi-local camping trips
School-Year Programs | Ages 14-19

School-Year programs (Age 14-19)

Paid opportunities September through May, after-school and weekends.
Young Adult Programs | Age 18+

Young Adult Programs | Age 18+

Paid opportunities to lead high school programs during summer and school year

Crew positions in various area parks
Internships | Age 18+

Internships (Age 18+)

Available in various timeframes, typically for college and post-college-age students

Skills & Training

Professional Development

SCA Urban Green program participants in Vallejo, Oakland, Hayward, San Francisco and the Peninsula gain hands-on experience building trails, restoring habitats, and increasing outdoor access for all Bay Area residents. You will develop teamwork and leadership skills, learn about climate resilience and career readiness, and get certified in CPR and Leave No Trace.

CPR Certification

Environmental Stewardship

Financial Literacy

Habitat Restoration & Trail Skills

Leave No Trace

Outdoor Ethics

Urban Agriculture & Forestry

Key Partners

Generous support from public agencies, environmental organizations, schools, and community groups fuels SCA's Urban Green program, providing Bay Area youth with paid conservation opportunities each year.