Urban Conservation Crew Program

In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MobilizeGreen will offer an Urban Conservation Crew Program at The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia, PA.

Crew Member and Crew Leader applications are currently closed for the Spring. All submitted 2024 applications will automatically be considered for Summer. Summer 2024 Applications are open and due May 31, 2024.

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The program will have fall, spring and summer sessions for high school students interested in outdoor conservation work and education. Crew Members will work together in teams to complete conservation projects around the wildlife refuge, including improvements to hiking trails, wildlife habitat and visitor infrastructure. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in environmental education and outdoor recreation activities lead by crew leaders and Fish and Wildlife staff.

This program experience is unique and can create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Program recruitment is targeted to attract youth from diverse backgrounds from the greater Philadelphia area.


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Member Opportunities

Fall Crews: meet 10 weekend days during the fall, starting October 7. Program hours are roughly 9-4:00.

Spring Crews: meet 12 Saturdays during the spring. Program hours are roughly 9-4:00. Dates for the 2024 Spring program will be released shortly.

Summer Crews: meet Monday through Friday during the summer break. Program Hours are 8:30 - 3:30.


Member Benefits

  • Paid work experience

    • $65/day stipend fall and spring

    • $350/week stipend for summer

  • Develop collaboration and leadership skills

  • Work with other high school students from across the region

  • Explore outdoor and recreation activities such as biking, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing and fishing

  • Learn about natural resource management careers

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Physical Requirements

  • Able to hike up to 3 miles a day

  • Able to perform up to 7 hours of manual labor in a day

  • Willingness to learn to use hand tools for digging, sawing, chopping etc

  • Willingness to work outside in varying weather conditions

  • Occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds


Participation Requirements

  • Must be at least 15 and currently enrolled in high school

  • Demonstrates leadership skills and/or responsibility

  • Likes meeting and working with people

  • Comfortable commuting to and from John Heinz NWR, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153 or a central meeting location

  • Wants to learn more about environmental topics

  • Willing to participate in a group setting with a positive attitude for the entire program.

  • Must be respectful of all program participants and leaders

  • Must follow instructions, safety regulations, and guidelines and complete assigned tasks

  • Must actively engage and participate in all events and environmental education programs, games, and activities

  • Able to commit to program dates and follow attendance policy

  • Must be able to complete all required paperwork prior to the program start. Internet access is needed to do this.

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Member Eligibility

  • We encourage all youth to consider applying for YCC positions.

  • Must be between the ages of 15 and 18 during the program

  • Must be enrolled in High School

  • Must be able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without reasonable accommodations·

  • Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident

  • Have a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number by start of program

  • Must be able to obtain a work permit if younger than 18 as required by state law