Student Conservation Association’s (SCA) Job Opening

SCA Job Description • Ages 18-25

The Student Conservation Association’s (SCA) Calumet Tree Conservation Corps is seeking young adults ages 18-25 in our city to partake in this open job opportunity. The Corps will plant and water 1,225 trees in the Grand Calumet watershed communities of East Chicago, Hammond, Gary and Whiting. SCA provides young people with seasonal jobs performing vital environmental conservation projects in parks and public lands. SCA’s efforts serve to expand career pathways for passionate yet underemployed youth who gain skills and experience essential to future success and a lifetime of environmental stewardship.

Thanks to a two-year, $1 million grant from BP America, SCA placed its first crews within the Chicago Park District in 2015 and expanded its work into the Forest Preserves of Cook County last year. BP supported SCA in Chicago and Northwest Indiana last year and is committed to continuing our support for SCA’s programming in 2018.

Individuals selected to participate in the Calumet Tree Conservation Corps program will collaborate with a team of two other crew members and a crew leader to perform tree planting and watering, as well as working on green stormwater infrastructure and habitat enhancement in their communities. Crew members work outdoors seven hours a day, Tuesday through Saturday, for 36 weeks.

The Calumet Tree Conservation Corps crews commence work on Monday, April 2. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply early as positions are filled on a rolling basis. Applications sent by February 17 will receive the highest consideration.

To apply for a position as a crew member, applicants can read the description attached and follow the instructions.

FAQ for crew member applicants

Q: What are the requirements to participate in the program?

A: Applicants must be between the ages of 18-25 year old and must reside in or around Northwest Indiana, with preference given to applicants from the four communities served (East Chicago, Hammond, Gary and Whiting). A demonstrated interest in working outdoors and learning about arboriculture and best tree planting practices is preferred.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Please email a cover letter and resume to both Daiva Gylys at dgylys@thesca.org and CM Tena at ctena@thesca.org.

Q: What is the time commitment and how does transportation work?

A: The program will run from April 2, 2018 to December 1, 2018. Crew members work outside Tuesday through Saturday, seven hours a day from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with one half hour unpaid lunch daily for 36 weeks. Crew members will be paid $10.00 per hour and will meet at a centralized pick-up and drop-off location where they are transported to their work site each day by the crew leader.

Q: What exactly do crew members do and where do they work?

A: Crew members will plant and water a total of 1,225 trees in the Grand Calumet watershed communities of East Chicago, Hammond, Gary and Whiting. Crew Members can expect to collaborate with a team of two other crew members and a Crew Leader to perform tree planting and watering, as well as working on green stormwater infrastructure and habitat enhancement in their communities. Members are expected to attend SCA-provided trainings to ensure safe and effective tree canopy conservation, and to receive training in basic digital mapping and data collection techniques. They are also expected to interact and engage with local community members in tree care at designated volunteer events.

Q: Who do I call with additional questions?

A: For more information, please contact Daiva Gylys at dgylys@thesca.org.

Click This Link to Access & Print Flyer:
2018 SCA Calumet Tree Conservation Corps Crew Member flyer[2][3]