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?
Since 2010, the SCA has been empowering young people in Chicago to protect the environment and create a healthier, more sustainable city.
Join The 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 NowThe 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 hours per week
Apply NowThe 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 hours per week
Apply NowThe 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 NowThe SCA is seeking crew members (age 18+) to join the Chicago Openlands Crew. Working alongside Openlands arborists and apprentices, the crew will perform tree planting, watering and maintenance, as well as community outreach to support locals in urban forestry stewardship. Crew members will lead volunteers at community tree planting events. The crew will meet at the Openlands Forestry office and be transported to work sites.
Expected Dates: June 2 – Nov. 14 Pay: $19/hr, 35 hours per week
Apply NowThe 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 hours per week
Apply NowThe SCA is seeking crew members (age 18-22) to join the Gap Year Conservation Leadership Corps offered in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. For the first five weeks of the program, crew members will serve as Assistant Crew Leaders for a group of ten high school students participating in the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program at a local nature center. The Assistant Leaders will support the youth crew in hands-on conservation projects, including invasive species removal and trail maintenance. For the remainder, members will form an ecological restoration crew working on invasive plant removal using herbicide, chainsaws and brush cutters and training to conduct brush pile burns and collect native seeds.
Expected Dates: June 30 – Oct. 31 Pay: $17/hr. for part one, 28 hours per week and $18/hr. for part two, 32 hours per week.
Apply NowThe 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 hours per week plus occasional optional overtime paid at $27/hr.
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 teambuilding and leadership activities.
Outdoor Ethics
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
Join our community of supporters who care deeply about preserving parks, public lands and urban green spaces.
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