SCA Cleveland

The SCA is a national non-profit changing lives through hands-on conservation work in the outdoors. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

Through its Urban Green Program, the SCA provides young people with paid green jobs, including single-day service projects, seasonal work and year-long internships or fellowships.

The SCA Cleveland Community Program centers around team-based projects designed to introduce young adults to fieldwork, challenge members to complete high-impact trail projects, and practice valuable interpersonal and conservation work skills. Teams engage in project work primarily focused on trailbuilding and trail maintenance, guided by trailbuilders and land managers from Cleveland Metroparks, one of the nation’s most visited parks.  

The program provides seasonal opportunities for high school students (ages 14 –18) and young adults (age 18+).  

Current Opportunities

2023 Cleveland High School Conservation Crew

The 2023 Cleveland high school conservation program will run Monday through Friday, June 26 – Aug. 4, 2023. 

With the support of our partners and donors, participants can expect to: 

• Build trails and restore habitat on public lands 
• Explore green career opportunities and issues facing the environment 
• Build leadership skills as they work on a diverse team of peers 
• Learn about our local environment through field trips, outdoor recreation, and environmental education 
• Gain necessary skills and experience to enter green and public service career sectors 

Projects from recent years include: 

• Trail building and area restoration in West Creek Reservation
• Invasive species removal in North Chagrin Reservation
• Trail drainage repairs and rock work in South Chagrin Reservation
• Brushing and clearing in Bedford Reservation

The application period for the 2023 Cleveland Community SCA Crew is OPEN! 

SCA Cleveland will have one high-school community crew during summer 2023, open to crew members ages 14–18. The crew will be working in Cleveland Metroparks. Members of the program will complete hands-on conservation projects including trail maintenance, trail construction, invasive species removal and habitat restoration.

Crew members will:  

• Work as a team with other high-school crew members (with adult team leaders, age 21+) 
• Gain valuable job skills 
• Receive conservation work skills training  
• Participate in environmental education activities 
• Give back to local communities and natural areas 
• Receive an SCA uniform  
• Work to conserve beautiful outdoor places close to home
• Meet like-minded people 

Join a team where diversity is celebrated, members build meaningful connections to public lands, and conservation and creative problem solving go hand in hand. No prior outdoor work experience is needed, but interest in working outside and willingness to get your hands dirty and try new things is required! 

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be 14-18 years of age during program dates 
• Must be currently in high school, a recent high school graduate, or working towards a GED
• Must be available for the ENTIRE program to be considered!! 
• Cleveland Community Crew program dates: June 26 – Aug. 4, 2023 

Work Schedule: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday 

Pay Rate: $10/hr. (32 hours per week) 

Applications are accepted and considered on a rolling basis until 5 p.m. on May 21, 2023, or until all positions are filled. Apply soon, and make sure to email us when you do to make sure your application was received!

This program is VERY competitive, and unfortunately, not all applicants will be accepted. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can, and reach out directly to [email protected] to confirm that your application was received.

How to Apply

• Part 1:  
• If you have never applied for a position with the SCA before, click here and follow the instructions to start a new application 
• If you have submitted an SCA application in the past, or if you have served on a crew with the SCA already, click here and follow the instructions to update your existing application 
• Part 2: Email us at [email protected] to confirm that your application is complete  

CONNECT WITH US 

• Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or if you encounter any issues during the application process.

READY TO LEAD, EDUCATE, AND INSPIRE? 

• Conservation Crew Field Leader
  The SCA is seeking two field leaders (age 21+) to supervise and train this year’s high school community crew. Includes two weeks of paid training before the season begins. Link to apply coming soon – in the meantime, if you’re interested please email us directly at [email protected]!

Program Highlights

• Work as a team with other high-school crew members (with adult team leaders, age 21+) 
• Gain valuable job skills 
• Receive conservation work skills training  
• Participate in environmental education activities 
• Give back to local communities and natural areas 
• Receive an SCA uniform  
• Work to conserve beautiful outdoor places close to home
• Meet like-minded people 

Key Partner

Cleveland Metroparks

Contact

SCA Cleveland
Elyria Little, Community Program Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (571) 895-1861