SCA Cleveland

Through its Urban Green Program, the SCA provides young people with paid green jobs, including single-day service projects, seasonal work and year-long internships or fellowships.

The SCA began fielding local community conservation and trail work crews in northeast Ohio in 2015. Thanks to our partnership with Cleveland Metroparks, dozens of high school students and young adults from the region have built and maintained hiking trails, planted and cared for trees, managed invasive species, restored habitats, served their communities, and participated in countless projects centered around conservation, environmental justice and sustainability.

Thanks to our many partners, supporters and donors, the SCA has been able to provide members with meaningful work and experiences, competitive wages, AmeriCorps education awards, and valuable training and development. After working with the SCA, participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

High School (Ages 14-18)

Summer High School Conservation Crews
These paid six-week positions take place June to August and offer high-school-age participants a transformative experience outdoors, completing conservation projects and learning about the career field.

School Year Conservation Crew
These school year programs, typically on weekends, introduce high school-age participants to urban forestry, environmental education, stormwater management and related outdoor conservation projects.

Young Adult (Age 18+)

Young adult conservation crews (age 18+) complete various field-based conservation projects throughout the year. Each crew has its own goals and focuses on removing invasive species, restoring habitat, constructing trails, maintaining trails, urban forestry and more.

Crew Leader Opportunities (Age 21+)

Crew Leaders supervise and train SCA conservation crews working in the field. These paid outdoor positions guide, inspire and motivate our high school and young adult participants while making critical decisions daily regarding the safety and well-being of our crew members. During training and throughout the season, crew leaders gain experience and expertise in various conservation skills like trail building, habitat restoration, environmental education, urban forestry, and community outreach. These positions are great for young professionals building their conservation and environmental work experience.

Current Opportunities

SCA Cleveland Metroparks Trail Corps Member

Full-time paid opportunity for (4) crew members to join a team-based program designed to introduce members to a variety of trail maintenance and trail building projects and practice the interpersonal skills required in a team environment. Teams engage in physically challenging project work focused on extending and maintaining an extensive network of trails in parks near Cleveland, working with trail builders and land managers from Cleveland Metroparks, one of the nation’s most visited parks.

Expected dates: May 13 – Nov. 8, 2024.
Pay: $600/wk living allowance.

Apply Today!
DRG Ecological Restoration Crew Member

Full-time paid opportunity for three crew members to complete hands-on field work under the direction of Ecological Restoration Site Managers. Daily tasks include physically strenuous herbicide application in wetlands, native seed installation, native plug planting, tree / shrub installation, invasive vegetation control (IVC), and other tasks related to habitat restoration. Interviews for this role will be in-person on March 20 and March 26. Apply now for priority consideration.

Expected dates: May 13 – Sept. 27, 2024.
Pay: $18/hr for up to 40 hrs/wk, $27/hr for occasional optional overtime.

Apply Today!
Urban Forestry Young Adult Crew

Full-time paid opportunity for three crew members serving in Cleveland, Ohio. This crew will advance environmental justice by growing Cleveland’s urban tree canopy, providing tree care and maintenance in low-canopy areas of the city, learning and practicing new skills, and engaging the community.

Expected dates: June 3 – Dec. 20, 2024

Apply Today!
Cleveland Urban Forestry Field Leader

Lead a team of 3 young adults advancing environmental justice by maintaining Cleveland’s urban forest in low-canopy neighborhoods. The crew will be working on completing priority tree care projects, including watering, maintenance, mulching, pruning, and planting, in partnership with SCA’s Cleveland-area partner organizations. In addition, the crew will engage with the local community by organizing and leading volunteer community tree care projects, sharing information about the benefits trees provide, and related community engagement projects.

Expected dates: May 13 – 26, 2024 (paid training out of states), May 27 – Dec. 31, 2024 (program).
Pay: $800/wk.

Apply Today!

Program Perks

Competitive hourly pay
SCA uniform
Access to the SCA Alumni Network
Environmental education
Learn new technical skills, including habitat restoration, trail work and more
Learn Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
Resume building and career exploration
Team building and job readiness training

Upcoming Events

Cuyahoga Valley Queer Hike - May

May 4, 10am-noon – Come out and hike! Join the Cuyahoga Valley Queer Hike along with SCA team members. For location and any questions, please refer to cuyahogavalleyqueerhike.org/
Stream Cleanup

May 10, 5:30pm-8pm – Join Cleveland Metroparks and SCA team members for a stream cleanup at Wilson Mills Trailhead. Registration required: sign up here.
Invasive Species Removal

May 11, 10am-2pm – Learn the land’s history and participate in an invasive species removal project with Red Oak Camp and SCA team members. RSVP by email to elittle@thesca.org by May 9 to receive project details.