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

Join The Crew!

  • Field Leader- The Morton Arboretum Crew

    The SCA is seeking a Field Leader (age 21+) to supervise and train the Morton Arboretum Crew in Chicago, Illinois. The crew will work with Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff and community partners to help conserve tree canopy through planting, watering and maintenance. The crew will also engage with the public at volunteer events across the seven-county Chicagoland region, including tree plantings, resource deliveries and tree maintenance support. The Field Leader will facilitate teamwork, train members in technical conservation work skills, communicate with agency partners and manage the timely completion of work projects.

    Expected Dates: April 15 – Nov. 7 Pay: $920/wk.

    Apply Now
  • Senior Member- The Morton Arboretum Crew

    The SCA is seeking an experienced crew member (age 21+) to assist the Field Leader for the Morton Arboretum Crew in Chicago, Illinois. The crew will work with Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff and community partners to help conserve tree canopy through planting, watering and maintenance. The Senior Member will assist the Field Leader with facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, organizing logistics, communicating with agency partners and managing the timely completion of work projects.

    Expected Dates: May 5 – Oct. 31 Pay: $20/hr., 40-hour work week

    Apply Now
  • Crew Member - The Morton Arboretum Crew

    The SCA is seeking crew members (age 18+) to join the Morton Arboretum Crew in Chicago, Illinois. The crew will work with Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) staff and community partners to assist with tree canopy conservation through planting, watering and maintenance. The crew will also engage with the public at volunteer events across the seven-county Chicagoland region, including tree plantings, resource deliveries and tree maintenance support. Crew members will meet at The Morton Arboretum and will be transported to their work site in an SCA work vehicle.

    Expected Dates: May 5 – Oct. 31 Pay: $19/hr., 40-hour work week

    Apply Now
  • Field Leader- Chicago Urban Forestry Crew

    The SCA is seeking a Field Leader (age 21+) to supervise and train the Chicago Urban Forestry Crew in Chicago, Illinois. The crew will work alongside arborists from SCA partner Openlands to assist with community tree planting and maintenance and to help train community members in urban forestry stewardship. The Field Leader will facilitate teamwork, train members in technical conservation work skills, communicate with agency partners and manage the timely completion of work projects. The crew will meet at Openlands Forestry office and be transported to their work site daily by the Field Leader or Openlands staff.

    Expected Dates: March 10 – Nov. 21 Pay: $920/wk.

    Apply Now
  • Field Leader- Chicago Gap Year Conservation Leadership Corps

    The SCA is seeking a Field Leader (age 21+) to supervise and train the Chicago Gap Year Conservation Leadership Corps. The program is divided into two phases. For the first five weeks of the program, the Field Leader will lead young adults and a team of ten high school youth in conservation work and environmental education at a local nature center through the Chicago Conservation Leadership Program. For the remainder of the program, the Field Leader will supervise the young adult crew through the completion of conservation projects within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Field Leader will facilitate teamwork, train members in technical conservation work skills, communicate with agency partners and manage the timely completion of work projects.

    Expected Dates: June 9 – Nov. 7  Pay: $23.50/hr., 35-hour work week

    Apply Now
  • Crew Member - Davey Resource Group Ecological Restoration Crew

    The SCA is seeking crew members (age 18+) to join the Davey Resource Group Ecological Restoration Crew in Elmhurst, Illinois. The crew will work under the direction of Davey Resource Technicians and Project Managers to provide clients with services and solutions needed to manage natural resources efficiently, comply with policies, and obtain regulatory permits. The crew will inspect, manage, and maintain a wide range of habitats, both natural and disturbed. Daily tasks include native seed installation, native plug planting, tree/shrub installation, invasive species control or other tasks related to habitat restoration. The crew will meet at the Davey Resource Group office and be transported to work sites.

    Expected Dates: May 19 – Sep. 13  Pay: $18.50/hr., 40-hour work week plus occasional optional overtime paid at $27/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

SCA crew members walking along trail

Future Leaders

Hear what Urban Green crew members say about the program.

Watch Now

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