Job Description
Position Summary The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.Since 1957, program participants have protected and restored national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.The Reading Conservation Corps is based in Reading, PA and will be comprised of 3 Members, 1 Assistant Field Leader, and 1 Field Leader.The Corps will meet in a central location in Reading each day, and transportation will be provided to project sites in Reading.This program provides entry-level positions with the goal of connecting people with nature.The program is 85% conservation field work.Projects will include trail work and maintenance, invasive species removal, tree planting, habitat restoration, and litter abatement in various sites.The remaining 15% of the time will be spent on workforce development and leadership training.Program participants must have a desire to work outside and in varying weather conditions.This program meets Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, for a total of 40 hours worked per week.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 youth 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 Member Impact The Reading Conservation Corps will support the capacity of the City of Reading Public Works and Berks Nature to progress on various conservation and forestry projects, including tree plantings, invasive species management, trail maintenance, and urban gardening.The Reading Conservation Corps is an integral component of the City of Reading's plan to directly enact environmental stewardship.Schedule April 6, 2026 - October 19, 2026 Hours 40 hours per week Monday - Friday from 8am - 4pm (with a 30-minute lunch break) 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:Reading, PA Immediate Supervisor/Title Darien Manning Program Manager DManning@thesca.org AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement 900 hours Essential Functions Actively participate in conservation service tasks, including invasive species management, urban gardening support, tree planting and tending, and litter clean-ups Arrive to the service site prepared for the day Engage in educational and professional development activities Complete service projects and use tools safely, wearing required personal protective equipment 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 Support the City of Reading Public Works with stormwater management and one-off events.Test water quality and participate in watershed-related environmental education.Required Qualifications Ability and desire to serve outdoors in challenging conditions Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, in exposure to the elements, and to occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds or more 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 Strong preference for local candidates.Commitment Required Hours per week:40 hours Minimum length of service:900 hours Living Accommodations Housing is not provided as part of this position.Personal Vehicle Requirement Personal vehicle NOT required.Compensation Living Allowance member will receive:$600/week Commuting Allowance member will receive:$45/week Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service:$3,697.50 All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.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 S