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 has been fielding conservation crews in Pittsburgh for more than 20 years. Our largest and longest-running program is our High School Summer Program, which provides youth with a 6-week summer job doing hands-on conservation work in city parks and community green spaces. Our high school summer crews meet for 30 hours a week, Monday through Friday, performing service work such as improving trails, removing invasive species, and improving community gardens.
In addition to the physical labor project, the crews also perform hands-on environmental education activities to better understand the ecosystems they are working in, how their work is improving habitat for plants and animals, and the relationship between humans and nature. No previous work experience is required, just a strong desire to be outdoors and a willingness to try new things.
The SCA High School Summer Program starts the last week of June and runs through the first week of August each year. To be eligible for the program, youth must first enroll in the City of Pittsburgh’s Learn and Earn Summer Youth Employment Program.
Fall and spring job opportunities designed around school schedules are often available for people who successfully complete our summer program.
Field Leader – Pittsburgh Summer Trail Crew
This position will supervise the safety, development, work projects and education of a team of 10 high school-aged youth at city parks and green spaces. Over the course of the six-week program, the crew will divide their time between service work such as trail building, invasive species removal, habitat restoration and environmental education. Expected dates: June 3 – 21, 2024 (training), June 24 – Aug. 9, 2024 (program). Pay: $750/wk.
SCA Pittsburgh
Darren Gruetze, SCA Pittsburgh Program Manager
Phone: (412) 325-1854
Email: DGruetze@theSCA.org