An increased interest in sustainability-driven initiatives have caused municipalities, nonprofits, and developers to start focusing on ecological and urban forestry projects now more than ever. With these projects gaining momentum, the need for environmental and urban forestry expertise has surged.
By partnering with nonprofits like the Student Conservation Association (SCA), organizations can help build a pathway for aspiring young environmental professionals. Since 1957, the SCA has been providing hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults throughout the U.S. Participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces while learning real-world skills that can translate into lifelong careers in the green industry.
Since 2014, Davey Resource Group (DRG) has collaborated with SCA on various urban forestry projects. In 2022, DRG and SCA began their partnership with a specific project to control invasive vegetation on a large wetland mitigation site in DRG’s South Bend, IN office. In 2023 and 2024, the internship program expanded from project-based to a full program that includes more interns and more DRG office locations where interns participate in multiple restoration and conservation projects across the Great Lakes region.
Read Claire’s Story
Claire Hollon’s journey at SCA started from an interest in and enjoyment of the outdoors. A self-proclaimed “nature dork,” Claire began volunteering for Cleveland Metroparks Conservation Corp and was referred to the SCA by a volunteer organizer.
“I was a big trail runner and love the Cleveland Metroparks, so I was inspired to get involved and applied to the trail crews,” Claire says.
In May 2023, Claire started working with DRG as an SCA intern working with the ecological restoration team at the Kent, Ohio office. Once the SCA internship kicked off, Claire quickly learned how to identify plants, invasive plant control techniques, native seeding and planting, and gained experience with equipment use, safety, job planning, and more. After her internship was completed in May 2024, she was offered a full-time position in the Kent, Ohio office. Claire then was offered an opportunity to travel to another DRG project in Charleston, South Carolina, where she could gain experience in invasive insect management on an Asian long-horned beetle (ALB) eradication project. She enjoyed the work so much, she decided to relocate to South Carolina.
In her current position as an environmental scientist/specialist, Claire surveys trees in Charleston for signs of ALB infestation, such as entry and exit sites and eggs. Once identified as a potential candidate for removal, Claire tags the tree as “suspicious” in Rover, DRG’s proprietary software. Once the tree is confirmed as needing to be removed or treated, the local Charleston Davey office performs the necessary work.
As part of her job, Claire has to inventory and tag trees in sometimes difficult locations. She’s worked in swamps, forested areas, residential areas, and more. She’s also required to communicate with property owners to inform them of the work that needs to be done on their property.
“I’m learning a lot about all aspects of environmental work, from public communication to the technical aspects to technology,” she says.
For those who may be interested in pursuing a career in environmental sciences, Claire says that a passion-driven approach is the best path forward for a job that takes place in a harsh work environment. “[Field work] takes people being okay with discomfort,” she says. “It’s challenging and requires stamina and passion.”
Creating A Workforce Support System
DRG’s partnership with workforce nonprofit organizations like SCA has helped jumpstart several careers similar to Claire’s. By partnering with the SCA, DRG is able to expand the workforce and help them deliver quality environmental work for clients. by providing program services such as:
- In-person and virtual educational courses
- Specialized workshops
- Professional certification course prep
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Hands-on field training
- Technological proficiency training
- Career advancement support
- Community engagement
- Formal apprenticeship programs
To learn more about Davey Resource Group’s career paths, view our careers page.
Article Contributors:
Claire Hollon, Environmental Scientists/Specialist, Davey Resource Group North Carolina
Joe Gregory, Director, Great Lakes/Midwest Operations
