We would like to make you aware of opportunities for young women ages 18-25 in your ward to take part in the Student Conservation Association’s (SCA) All Women’s Crew this summer in the Chicago Park District. SCA provides young people with seasonal jobs performing vital environmental conservation projects in parks and public lands. SCA’s efforts serve to expand career pathways for passionate yet underemployed youth who gain skills and experience essential to future success and a lifetime of environmental stewardship.
Thanks to a two-year, $1 million grant from BP America, SCA placed its first crews within the Chicago Park District in 2015 and expanded its work into the Forest Preserves of Cook County last year. BP has committed to continuing our support for SCA’s programming in 2017.
The All Women’s Crew commences work next Monday, April 24 and SCA is continuing to accept applicants this week. I know this is last-minute, but I hope you will consider sharing information about these opportunities with your constituents.
SCA will also field a high school age crew in the Chicago Park District to begin work on July 3. I will reach back out with additional information as soon as SCA commences recruiting for that crew – I will venture to give you more notice for this opportunity, I promise!
The SCA All Women’s Crew is a six-month conservation service-learning experience managed by SCA and its partners. Selected individuals will participate on a crew consisting of 10 young adult women. As a team, the crew will complete various conservation service projects within the Chicago Park District. Activities include using hand and mechanical tools to complete projects such as trail/park maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal and leading stewardship days.
To apply for the All Women’s Crew, applicants can read the description attached and follow the instructions on how to apply.
FAQ for crew member applicants
Q: What are the qualifications to participate in the program?
A: Female applicants must be 18-25 years old by program start and eligible to legally work in the United States. Applicants must meet SCA’s criminal background check standards and the ability to meet at a central pick up location near public transportation. Outdoor experience and resident of the South Side of Chicago is a plus.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Email resume and cover letter to Daiva Gylys at: dgylys@thesca.org with subject line “2017 All Women’s Crew”
Q: What is the time commitment and how does transportation work?
A: The program will run from April 24, 2017 through October 21, 2017. Participants will work Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. including one half hour unpaid lunch. Crew members work 35 hours/week for six months and receive a wage of $11.00/hr.
*This crew is expected to attend three Saturday workdays as well: 6/3, 6/17 and 10/21.
Q. What exactly do crew members do and where do they work?
A. Crew members will work alongside a crew of 10 young adult women in the completion of various conservation service projects within the Chicago Park District. Activities include using hand and mechanical tools to complete projects such as: trail/park maintenance; habitat restoration; invasive species removal; and leading stewardship days. Crew member’s work will focus on projects at the following Chicago Park District Sites: Sherman Park, Washington Park, McKinley Park, Ping Tom Park, and the Burnham Wildlife Corridor. Crew will also participate in environmental education workshops, certificate trainings and outdoor recreation.