Position Summary 

SCA, in partnership with Openlands, will run a 24-week pre-apprenticeship program for the Arborist Registered Apprenticeship, where program participants receive hands-on field experience conducting tree establishment maintenance and assisting with community tree planting events. Pre-apprentices will be provided training, workshops, and education following the pre-apprenticeship program curriculum, and be exposed to career pathways in arboriculture through networking and professional development opportunities.

The SCA Crew Leader oversees the day-to-day, on the ground operations of the Openlands Urban Forestry SCA Crew. This role plays a vital part in providing the hands-on field experience and tree stewardship activities conducted by SCA pre-apprentices. The Crew Leader is a hands-on leadership role that combines fieldwork, training, and operations management. They are responsible for supervising the SCA crew’s daily field activities, delivering entry-level arboriculture instruction, and ensuring the safety and success of the SCA pre-apprentice crew.

This is a full-time, temporary position (36 weeks) that requires flexibility with weekend work during planting seasons (April-May & September-November). The Crew Leader’s typical workday begins at 6:30am and ends at 3pm, and they start and end their day at the Openlands Field Office. The Crew will start Monday- Friday, and will switch to Tuesday- Saturday during the planting season which is during the fall.

Location 

Chicago, IL

Schedule 

March 16, 2026 - November 20, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Pre-Apprentice Supervision & Training
• Oversee and guide SCA pre-apprentices by providing clear direction, regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture. ;
• Ensure all crew members adhere to ANSI safety standards. ;
• Assist in providing pre-apprentices training in urban forestry and arboriculture skills, tool usage, leadership, environmental stewardship, and personal development. ;
• Provide support and encouragement for pre-apprentices throughout the program. 
Fieldwork & Operations
• Lead and oversee work projects, manage tool maintenance, and equipment logistics. 
• Create weekly and monthly fieldwork schedules in coordination with the Openlands team.  
• Manage program documentation, including pre- and post-program paperwork, logs, incident reports, equipment inventories, and budget reconciliation. 
• Plant and maintain trees and perform necessary tree care, including replanting, staking, mulching, pruning, and watering. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices.
• Assist in community tree planting events in the spring and fall by setting up equipment, unloading trees, placing trees, digging holes, planting trees, leading volunteers, etc.
• Drive SCA’s rented vehicle (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment. 
Community & Partner Engagement
• Coordinate activities, trainings, and events with Openlands, SCA, and pre-apprenticeship program partners.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with agency partners and represent SCA in a professional manner. 

Marginal Duties 

-Following a crew budget;
-coding program expenses;
-Online data reporting and collection;
-inspecting vehicle and tools with crew;
-writing a final report at the end of the program;
-keeping in communication with Program Coordinator and Program Partners;

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum 21 years old.
• Ability to legally work in the United States.
• Outdoor work experience conservation, or related fields (tree planting, urban forestry, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, landscaping, gardening, etc.)
• Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays.
• Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species, associated pests and diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees.
• Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License, clean motor vehicle record, and reliable transportation to the Openlands Field Office.
• Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) with trailers both in the city and on local highways.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally.
• Effectively work under minimal supervision.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm for trees, nature and connecting Chicago region residents in all community areas to the natural world.

Preferred Qualifications 

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

There is no Living accommodation for this position.

Compensation  

Leader Benefits & Compensation

• $920 weekly stipend (40 hours/week)
• Wilderness First Aid Training ($350 value)
• Training and education in urban and community forestry
• Openlands TreeKeeper Certification ($150 value)

Work Environment

Openlands Field Office is ADA accessible. The Crew Leader is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via phone. This role requires manual labor- standing, bending, crouching, lifting.  Ability to perform duties in a variety of outdoor conditions and weather, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Openlands is a smoke- and drug-free environment.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.