Urban Green - Seattle Summer Crew 18+

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. (SCA) is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging the next generation of diverse conservation leaders and inspiring lifelong stewardship of our lands and communities. Operating nationally, SCA partners with land management agencies, nonprofits, and communities to provide meaningful conservation service opportunities for youth and young adults. Through their programs, participants gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, leadership development, and career readiness, contributing meaningfully to the preservation and enhancement of natural and urban spaces.

The 2026 SCA Seattle Summer Urban Green Crew is an exciting seasonal program designed for youth ages 14-18 (up to age 19 if recently graduated from high school) based in the Seattle area. This seven-week summer crew focuses on urban conservation work, including invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and community garden upkeep across city parks and green spaces in Seattle. The program runs from July 6 through August 21, 2026, with a schedule of 35 hours per week, offering a structured and engaging outdoor work experience.

Crew members will also participate in two one-week camping and conservation work trips to the North Cascades region during mid-July, providing a unique opportunity to serve in a beautiful wilderness setting. The organization supplies all necessary food, transportation, and gear for these camping trips, ensuring participants can safely and comfortably engage in this immersive experience. Beyond physical conservation work, the crew will engage in environmental education and green job readiness activities every Friday, including field trips designed to deepen understanding of natural ecosystems and career pathways in environmental fields.

Participants will join a tight-knit team led by two adult crew leaders who facilitate learning, ensure safety, and cultivate a positive group culture. While housing is not provided by SCA, crew members must have housing arrangements within the Seattle metropolitan area. The program emphasizes teamwork, community service, and personal development, concluding with an end-of-season celebration on August 21, where participants showcase their accomplishments to friends and family.

Compensation for this role is $21.30 per hour for a 35-hour work week over seven weeks. This paid opportunity offers youth an invaluable blend of professional work experience, environmental leadership training, and community engagement, fostering skills and values that extend beyond the summer program. SCA is committed to inclusivity, fairness, and respect, aiming to nurture a work atmosphere where all participants can grow both personally and professionally. This role is ideal for motivated young individuals passionate about conservation, eager to learn, and ready to contribute to Seattle's vibrant green spaces.