Conservation Corps - 2026 South Bay Summer Crew Member

Position Summary 

The South Bay Urban Green Youth Crew will work as a team to address critical land and conservation needs of open spaces across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Projects will include trail maintenance and invasive species removal, habitat restoration, waterway protection and more. The team will work at a variety of sites throughout the summer including with the Santa Clara Open Space Authority, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, UC Blue Oak Ranch Reserve, and others. The team will have recreation and education opportunities on Fridays, and will engage in career education with local professionals in the field.

 

Week 4 of the program the crew will go on a 3-night camping trip in Santa Clara County and conduct a conservation project. SCA will provide all food, transportation, and gear for this trip.

 

SCA leaders will pick up and drop off members at central location. Members are expected to be prepared for the workday: on time, with their lunch and water packed. Participants should wear all leather boots to work each day. SCA has a limited number of boots to loan members who don’t have their own (members can message staff to request boots). Working environment might be cool in the morning and hot during the day; crew members should dress in layers to be prepared. SCA will provide gloves, helmets, eye protection, and training in the safe use of hand tools.

 

Acceptance of this position means the members understand it is a full-time commitment during the dates of the program, and will communicate to their crew leaders if there is any potential conflict.

 

The crew will consist of 8 youth members and 2 young adult leaders.

 

Location 

San Jose, CA

 

Schedule 

June 29, 2026 - July 31, 2026

Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm with 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break

Friday - 8:00am - 1:30pm with 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The South Bay Urban Green Youth Crew will work as a team to address critical land and conservation needs of open spaces across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. All crew members will have on-the-job training with SCA and partner staff to complete different projects throughout various sites that will include:

• Conducting habitat restoration and public improvement projects at regional parks and community open spaces.
• Being trained in tool usage, worksite and personal safety measures, job hazard assessments, and conflict resolution.
• Members will work in outdoor environments all while learning new skills.
• Participation in career exploration and conservation leadership activities

Marginal Duties 

• Complete end of program evaluation and assessments
• Contribute to a final presentation and report

Required Qualifications 

• High School-aged youth residing in Santa Clara County
• Interest in the environment, outdoor recreation, and/or green careers
• Ability to work on a team
• Willingness to work outside 4 days a week

Preferred Qualifications 

• Interest in conservation careers
• Social media savvy

Hours 

35 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

• Not provided

 

Compensation  

• $18/hour

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

 

Additional Benefits 

• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.