Position Summary
This crew, consisting of 2 adult co-leaders and 4 high school youth members, will work on 15 select Saturdays throughout the schoolyear to support nature-based climate resilience efforts in vulnerable neighborhoods throughout Charles County, Maryland. The crew will carry out a variety of community forestry projects, programs, and activities, including maintaining more than 700 trees in pocket forests and at school sites through planting, watering, staking, mulching, and weeding. The crew will support the year-round maintenance of these sites while participating in a variety of environmental education, workforce development, and green career exploration activities.
Hosting Organization
The Resilience Authority of Charles County, Inc.
Location
Waldorf, MD
Schedule
15 Select Saturdays from October 2026 - May 2027; exact dates TBD.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Work collaboratively with team members to complete outdoor hands-on projects; learn new skills in tree care, trail work, and park maintenance; participate in career builder activities.
Marginal Duties
Complete feedback surveys; Participate in professional development sessions like career panels and SMART Goal planning.
Required Qualifications
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements; Must be a minimum of 15 years of age and enrolled in high school; Must have the ability to legally work in the US; Must be able to obtain a Maryland Minor Work permit if applicable; Must be able to complete SCA online onboarding new hire paperwork in a timely manner.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a team; Open to learning new skills and more about conservation; Outdoor work or volunteer experience a plus
General Physical Requirements
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
- Able to independently manage all personal belongings.
- If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing with supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
- Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
- Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
Working Conditions
Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.;Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
Hours
Part-time, intermittent position. Members will work 15 Saturdays throughout the school year (exact dates to be determined). Each workday is an 8-hour shift.
Living Accommodations
No housing - candidates must live near Charles County, Maryland
Compensation
$17/hour; biweekly pay schedule
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
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.
