Field Leader- Charles County Youth Tree Corps

Conservation Begins Here®

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), America's #1 conservation service organization seeks youth members (15-18 years old) interested in conservation service work. Charles County Resilience Authority Youth Tree Corps will work alongside the Charles County Resilience Authority and local SCA Program staff and consist of 2 youth crew members with 1 crew leader supervisor and an assistant crew leader.

Program dates: 11/25/24 - 2/15/2025

Schedule: Roughly every other Saturday from 9:00am - 3:00pm

Pay Rate: $20.00/hour, bi-weekly pay schedule

Location: Charles County Maryland

Transportation and Site Location: The Leader will transport members throughout work sites in the program van. Work sites for this project include:

North Point High School; West Lake High School; Davis Middle School; Mattawoman Middle School; and Hanson Middle School. All schools are located in Charles County Maryland.

Work Description:

The crew will assist Charles County Resilience Authority strengthen Charles County public schools' climate resilience through native tree planting and care. One of the effects of Climate Change is increasing temperatures. Some areas are often hotter than others because they have more heat-absorbing buildings and pavements and fewer cool spaces with shade trees and greenery. These hotspots are called Urban Heat Islands, and a number of Charles County schools are located in Urban Heat Islands. Residents of Urban Heat Islands are more likely to experience heat-related illnesses and related negative effects include worse air quality and a higher cost burden of air conditioning bills. Well planned native tree planting and long-term maintenance of those trees build climate resilience by reducing impervious surface, providing much needed cooling, improving air quality and health outcomes, while advancing carbon sequestration and stormwater management. The two youth crew members will work alongside an SCA crew leader and an assistant crew leader.

Project tasks may include:

Watering of 75 native trees planted throughout 5 different job sites (listed above)

Winter tree care and pruning of trees

Community outreach &engagement

Training may include:

Tree care & maintenance

Field tool use

Plant ID

Basic first aid and CPR training

Safety and risk management

Program best practices, tool usage, safety, and job hazard assessments will be part of training and daily briefings. All members will learn to work in new environments, outdoor spaces, in a crew-model with new people, all while learning new field skills. Being open to new experiences is a huge advantage for crew members.

Leader Required Qualifications

Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more; Must be able to attend Crew Leader training; Must be a minimum of 21 years of age; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must have a valid driver's license for 3+ years and pass SCA Motor Vehicle Report standards; Must be able to meet SCA's criminal background check standards; Housing is not provided, Leader must be locally available

Leader Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching or environmental education preferred; Leaders will work in new outdoor environments, being excited and open to new experiences is strongly desired; Experience working in a team; Open to learning new skills, more about conservation, and environmental education

Benefits:

Earn a stipend or wage for your work

Explore green jobs and career opportunities

Complete important conservation projects

Participate in professional development and skill building as a team

Alumni benefits after successful completion of program

SCA gear package