Title: Urban Forestry Crew-Crew Leader I
Reports to: Program Coordinator, Program Director
Conservation Legacy Program: Southeast Conservation Corps
Location: Crew will be based out of SECC’s office in Chattanooga, TN and serving within Chattanooga’s public spaces
Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Day Crew Program
Dates: 08/10/26 - 11/13/26
Wages: $20-25 per hour, depending on prior experience and certifications, overtime eligible.
Health Benefits: Medical benefit options may be available for individuals serving 6 months or longer
Other Benefits: Transportation to and from project, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment, and other developmental opportunities as available.
Crew Structure: 1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader, 4 Crew Members
Purpose — About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):
Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility and life skills through community service, hard work and land stewardship.
Southeast Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit AmeriCorps program. We engage youth (age 15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC collaborates with land management agencies (United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits) to host day or overnight camping crews and individual placements.
Our AmeriCorps positions provide impactful educational and service opportunities that benefit both communities and landscapes. SECC’s participants reflect the population of the Southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various backgrounds.
The Crew Leader I position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.
Standard schedule generally consists of Monday – Friday, 8 hour work days, plus occasional overtime. Crew Leaders may also be required to come into the office to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff.
The Crew Leader I position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of competence in the outdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is due in a timely manner to supervisors. Finally, crew leaders must exhibit the ability to effectively work on diverse teams and those from a variety of populations and communities.
Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) and the City of Chattanooga have partnered to host an In-town (day crew) Urban Forestry Crew with funding for this project provided by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. The Urban Forestry Crew will be managed by the City of Chattanooga’s Natural Resources Department who will collaborate with crews to complete their conservation projects.
The crew will engage in strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions. Crew members will combine training and education to support impactful conservation service projects throughout the City of Chattanooga.
Service projects will vary depending on seasonal factors and safety considerations, with a primary focus on invasive plant species management, native vegetation restoration, and streambank stabilization. While SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change per project and weather needs. However, tasks may also include, but are not limited to:
Project Skills Acquired Through the Program:
These skills are highly transferable to careers in urban forestry, environmental education, natural resource management, park services, conservation nonprofits, and more.
***Note: Many waterways across Chattanooga are impaired for various reasons including, but not limited to potentially harmful bacteria like E.coli. All crews will be equipped with the appropriate PPE to work in water that may contain these contaminants, however individuals will be expected to practice best management practices while working in the field.
Crew Structure: This crew consists of 4 crew members and 2 crew leaders who will provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants.
Gear: Members must supply their own personal outdoor gear (day pack, water bottle, work pants, hiking/work boots). SECC has a limited supply of loaner gear available for crew members to borrow, but it may not fit personal preferences or specific needs. SECC will provide tools, group equipment, and personal protective equipment
***Note: transportation needs will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Recruitment Coordinator (contact information listed below) with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your personal transportation needs.
Mentor assistant crew leader (or Crew Leader in Development Program CLDP): provide valuable feedback, give opportunities for growth, delegate responsibilities, and encourage technical and leadership skill development.
Promote individual corps member development and a safe, healthy, cohesive, other-centered and team-oriented community.
Follow and enforce all policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program.
Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level and a willingness to accept differences.
Project Management & Implementation:
Train, motivate and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks and objectives outlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and managing high quality of work and crew morale.
Safety & Risk Management:
Monitor, manage, and promote the holistic health of the crew, including physical and emotional (intimidation free community environment) safety.
Thorough documentation of crew hours, accomplishments, disciplinary actions taken, and incident response according to Conservation Legacy policy and procedure.
Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:
Application Instructions:
To Apply: Complete the Application, upload cover letter and resume.
Any questions can be addressed to:
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.