SCA AmeriCorps Cleveland Tree Care Team Member
About us:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, historical landmarks, and community spaces across the country.
This position is part of SCA's National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages young people ages 18–24, who are disconnected from school or work, in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria.
The OYSI program is focused on providing young adults opportunities to grow competitive skills in the field of natural resource management to prepare them to move into conservation jobs after their term of service. Skills will include hands-on conservation service experience, professional development training, and nationally recognized certifications.
SCA's Cleveland Tree Care Team works together to advance maintaining Cleveland's urban forest in low-canopy neighborhoods. The team is partnering with community groups that have identified priority tree care needs, including watering, young tree training and pruning, mulching, staking, and fencing, invasive plant removal, general site maintenance, and tracking. In addition, the crew will engage with the local community and partner organizations by supporting related community tree care projects, sharing information about the benefits trees provide, and additional community engagement projects centered on collaboration, learning, and the forest.
The Cleveland Tree Care Team will consist of 3 young adult members (18 years of age or older) and 1 Team Leader. Members meet at a centralized location and are transported in an SCA vehicle to their work sites each day by the Team Leader. The team will work together through a variety of weather conditions during their season, and work will primarily take place outdoors. Members should feel able to perform physical labor outdoors for up to 8 hours per day, and lift and carry 50 lbs or more. In addition, members can expect regular informal interaction with the public, including community tree steward volunteers, and those curious about the work the team is doing.
Team members will be supervised in the field by an experienced SCA Team Leader. All team members are expected to be respectful, on-time, hardworking, and aware of conditions to ensure a safe service environment.
Member Impact
Members of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) AmeriCorps Tree Care Team will make a real, hands-on difference to the survival and growth of Cleveland's tree canopy by providing care and watering to recently planted trees. As a member, you'll serve alongside other young adults on your team as well as volunteer community members to conduct hands-on conservation projects, including tree maintenance and watering, invasive species removal, and ongoing land stewardship work. Team members will receive certifications and opportunities for future leadership and career opportunities in urban and community forestry and conservation.
Schedule
August 24, 2026- December 11, 2026
Hours
Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Some evening hours may be required to attend community events or trainings.
A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.
Service Location
Reports to: The Student Conservation Association, 4500 Lee Rd, Cleveland OH
Service will be performed at various planting sites in the Cleveland metropolitan region, primarily within Cuyahoga County
AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement
450 hours required for AmeriCorps award eligibility
Essential Functions
Interest and investment in leadership development and teamwork is required.
Commitment to serving as a productive team member; demonstrating strong interpersonal and professional skills.
Commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include extreme heat, extreme cold, high winds, and precipitation.
Must be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.
Marginal Functions
Assist with tracking and reporting on participant and program data;
Assist with maintenance and management of program supplies and materials;
Assists with inspection and maintenance of program vehicles;
Supports coordination of transportation, safety protocols, accessibility needs, and other supplies for programs.
Required Qualifications
Emotional and Intellectual Requirements:
Develop and maintain professional relationships with staff, crew leaders, and members;
Function as part of a team;
Understand verbal and/or written communication;
Must be dependable, flexible, and cooperative;
Ability to take initiative to complete the task at hand without prompting;
Accepting of leadership and supervisory authority; and
Completes tasks appropriately and in a timely manner.
Work together as a team to complete projects, sustaining a productive workplace culture;
Engage respectfully with community members to advance urban tree canopy equity and build trust;
Participate in related forestry projects and events in collaboration with land managing partners
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift 50 lbs, and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, for 5 miles.
Hike up to 5 miles, often while carrying a backpack, tools, and equipment
Lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds
Maintain and plant trees in qualifying census tracts, advancing environmental justice and sustaining Cleveland's urban tree canopy;
Ability to perform duties in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain
Ability to communicate the presence of safety hazards through visual and auditory means.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program, and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
Being at least 18 years or older;
Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
Preferred Qualifications
Interest in hands-on, outdoor service activities is preferred.
Interest in pursuing a career in conservation or a related field is preferred.
Commitment Required
The program's term of service is a 3-month (Quarter-Time, 450 hours) commitment.
Members will serve 40 hours per week.
Living Accommodations
Living accommodations are not provided as part of this position.
Personal Vehicle Requirement
Personal Vehicle is not required for this position.
Compensation
Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week
Amount of Commuting Allowance member will receive: $150/week
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $1,956.35
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
Training and Additional Benefits
Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours
AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation
SCA Risk Management
Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
Workforce Development, Job Readiness, and mentorship (regular, interactive trainings monthly)
Introduction to conservation organizations and individuals in Cleveland; opportunity to network
General Physical and Emotional Requirements
Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
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 internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, 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.
If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 45% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions
Able to lift a backpack weighing 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
Able to grip a third point of contact for balance purposes when crossing rivers or streams, and ascending and/or descending slopes.
Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.
Service Conditions
Service is performed primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. Service schedules and projects may change on short notice. Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people of
varying perspectives. Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
