2026 Texas GulfCorps Conservation – AmeriCorps Crew Member

Student Conservation Association • Houston, TX

18h • $600 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join a traveling team of 5 local young adults for a seasonal paid service program in entry-level conservation service with Federal, State, and/or local partners on public land within Texas. Service will include a variety of land restoration and natural resource management practices, determined by partner organization needs, which can include invasive plant species removal, general maintenance and landscaping of public areas, trail and/or boardwalk creation and maintenance, public outreach, data collection including GIS data, litter abatement, as well as other activities. Team members will receive certifications, training, and experience valuable for careers in environmental stewardship.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and much more across the country.

This position is part of SCA’s National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18–24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria.

Member Impact
The Student Conservation Association's Texas GulfCorps team is focused on providing young adults opportunities to grow competitive skills in the field of natural resource management to prepare them to move into jobs with our project partners, or other conservation organizations, after their term of service. Our partners include the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and/or other national, state, or local environmental agencies. The program will include hands-on conservation service experience, filling partner organizations’ needs to improve native habitat and improve public access or experience.
Around 90 hours can be expected to be spent completing professional development training with the Corps Network, including topics such as: leadership development, resume building, interviewing, communication, public speaking, networking, etc.

Requirements

• Must be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Must be at least 18 years or older
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete one
• Willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks
• Able to travel across uneven terrain for 8 hours of a 10-hour workday, while carrying equipment or tools that can weigh 50 lbs
• Service will require use of gas-powered equipment such as chainsaws or brushcutters, as well as application of herbicide for vegetation control
• Service is expected to be conducted in somewhat remote settings, without access to modern amenities (running water or electrical outlets), for the entirety of the workday
• Service settings can include temperature ranges from extreme heat and humidity to temperatures as low as freezing, muddy or wet environments or rainy conditions, areas with elevation changes, and areas with continuous direct sunlight throughout the day
• Some service may be completed close to the southern border of the United States
• Basic familiarity and abilities with computers and/or smart phone applications
• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time
• 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 internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, 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
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations)
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 45% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions
• Able to lift a backpack weighing 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others
• Able to grip a third point of contact for balance purposes when crossing rivers or streams, and ascending and/or descending slopes
• Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions
• Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others
• Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device according to US Coast Guard specifications

Nice To Haves

• Interested in pursuing an environmental career
• Local and personally invested in Texas and/or the Gulf coast
• Interested in learning conservation practices from leading organizations in the field

Responsibilities

• Invasive plant species removal
• General maintenance and landscaping of public areas
• Trail and/or boardwalk creation and maintenance
• Public outreach
• Data collection including GIS data
• Litter abatement
• Other conservation activities as determined by partner needs

Benefits

• Living allowance of $600/week, paid bi-weekly
• One-time travel allowance payment of $600
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50 upon successful completion of the term of service
• Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
• Accommodations provided during scheduled projects (dorm-style bunkhouses or rented housing, can include camping)
• Training opportunities including Wilderness First Aid, NWCG S-112 Wildland Fire Chainsaws Certificate, US Forest Service chainsaw training and certification, SCA Risk Management, Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace, and Professional Development & Job Readiness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED