Conservation Corps - Charles County Resilience Authority Youth Tree Corps

Conservation Begins Here®

Charles County Resilience Authority Youth Tree Corps Member

About:

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: TBD

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

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour, bi-weekly pay schedule

Transportation and Site Location:

Members must provide their own transportation to and from North Point High School (2500 Davis Rd, Waldorf, MD 20603). 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
• Hanson Middle School

All schools are located in Charles County Maryland,

Work Description:

The crew will assist the 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 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 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 surfaces, providing much-needed cooling, and 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, and 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.

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

SCA is an EOE dedicated to workforce diversity.

Click here to learn more about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the SCA.

For more information about SCA, visit us at www.theSCA.org

COVID-19: Visit the following website for more information regarding SCA's COVID-19 Management Policies: www.thesca.org/covid.