Director Conservation Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position Summary

Join the SCA to help restore one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the Midwest while gaining hands-on conservation experience at Indiana Dunes National Park. As part of a Student Conservation Association crew, you'll work alongside National Park Service staff to remove invasive plants, collect native seeds, and improve habitat for wildlife in iconic areas like Cowles Dunes and West Beach. Over 16 weeks, you'll develop practical field skills, contribute to large-scale ecosystem restoration, and make a measurable impact by helping expand invasive species treatment across the park. This is an exciting opportunity for young adults who enjoy working outdoors, want to build a career in conservation, and are ready to leave a lasting mark on a national park.

Hosting Organization

Indiana Dunes National Park

Location

Porter, IN

Schedule

August 24, 2026 - December 11, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Remove invasive plant species, including round-leaved bittersweet and other non-native vegetation, using approved management techniques.
• Collect native plant seeds to support habitat restoration efforts and increase biodiversity throughout the park.
• Assist with restoring high-priority natural areas, including Cowles Dunes and West Beach.
• Work alongside National Park Service staff and fellow crew members to complete daily conservation projects safely and efficiently.
• Operate hand tools and other field equipment to perform vegetation management and habitat restoration activities.
• Hike and work outdoors over uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
• Follow all safety protocols, Leave No Trace principles, and National Park Service policies and procedures.
• Monitor treated areas and document completed restoration work as directed.
• Support efforts to improve wildlife habitat, native plant communities, and overall ecosystem health.
• Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude while living and working in a collaborative conservation crew environment.
• Represent the Student Conservation Association professionally when interacting with National Park Service staff, partners, and park visitors.
• Participate in training opportunities to develop conservation, leadership, and natural resource management skills.

Marginal Duties

TRAINING PARTICIPATION: Participating in SCA led training sessions, attending partner led training sessions, participating in online and advanced skills training when offered.

Required Qualifications

WORK ETHIC: Possess a strong work ethic and willingness to work outdoors in challenging conditions and willing to learn;
MANUAL LABOR ABILITY: Be able to perform manual labor for up to 8 hours per day, occasionally lifting/moving 40 pounds or more;
LEGAL ELIGIBILITY: Be legally eligible to work in the United States;
US ELIGIBILITY: Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or national;
MINIMUM AGE: Be at least 18 years old;
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Have a high school diploma or equivalent (or actively working to complete one); BACKGROUND CHECKS: Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Checks, including background, sex offender, and FBI checks.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with a strong understanding of plant ID or field work experience are highly encouraged to apply.

General Physical Requirements

Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.

Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.

Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.

Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.

Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.

Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.

Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.

• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110F or hotter.;Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours

35 per week

Living Accommodations

n/a

Compensation

$18/hr

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Preferred but not Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training
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.