Field Leader – Philadelphia Youth Program, John Heinz Wildlife Refuge – Apply by Sep 1

Posted by Student Conservation Association on August 19, 2025

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Since 1957, program participants have protected and restored national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

This Leader will have two primary responsibilities: 1) leading the Fall SCA Youth Conservation Crew at John Heinz NWR with 1 adult co-leader and 10 youth Members for 10 Saturday workdays and 2) organizing, marketing, and facilitating community volunteer workday events at the John Heinz NWR with the Philadelphia Program Manager.

SCA’s Philadelphia Youth Program is based at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The Crew will meet in a central location in Philadelphia each workday and transportation will be provided to project sites. This program is an entry-level position with the goal of connecting young people with nature. Leading the Fall SCA Youth Conservation Crew at John Heinz NWR will consist of 50-75% conservation field work, such as improving trails and gardens, managing invasive species, and planting native plants and trees and 25-50% environmental education, leadership development, environmental recreation, and workforce readiness. Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, community outreach events, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites. Additional responsibilities include administrative tasks, such as program reporting and data collection, lesson planning, driving youth Members to and from project sites in an SCA-provided vehicle.

The Crew will occur for 10 Saturday workdays (October 4 – December 13), 9am-4pm. Additional administrative responsibilities will occur outside those hours.

Learn more and apply.