Individual Placement- Urban Forestry Outreach

Student Conservation Association • Sugar Land, TX

6h • Onsite

About The Position

The Member will support an urban forestry project designed to reduce the urban heat island effect in southwest Houston (Alief). The project emphasizes community resilience by addressing the interconnected environmental and social challenges facing the area. Responsibilities include securing in-kind donations of trees, planting materials, and watering supplies; recruiting and coordinating volunteers through the LEAD Program, AmeriCorps Members, and the SERVE Program; organizing community tree planting events; and delivering environmental education in partnership with Alief ISD, Precinct 4, Houston Parks & Recreation, Houston Public Library, YMCA, and other community organizations.

This position is part of the ForUsTree Program, a paid workforce development initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Urban & Community Forestry Grant and administered by the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) in partnership with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Interns are placed with nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving the Greater Houston region to gain hands-on experience in urban forestry, environmental stewardship, conservation, and community engagement.

While members complete their day-to-day work under the supervision of their host organization, they are also members of the ForUsTree member Cohort, receiving onboarding, regular check-ins, professional development opportunities, networking events, and ongoing program support from SCA throughout the individual placement.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable personal vehicle.
• Interest in urban forestry and its impact on community well-being.
• Passion for community service and environmental stewardship.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent follow-through.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Participants must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), be working toward obtaining one, or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Urdu, or Vietnamese is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to suppliers to secure in-kind donations of trees, planting materials, and watering supplies.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers for tree planting events.
• Build relationships with schools and community education partners.
• Deliver presentations on urban forestry, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
• Plan, organize, and support community tree planting events.
• Maintain accurate records of supplies, volunteers, events, and community beneficiaries.
• Supporting native fruit tree giveaway events.
• Assisting with community outreach and volunteer events.
• Participating in environmental education programs.
• Attending professional development and networking opportunities.
• Contributing to multimedia and storytelling projects.
• Participating in SCA meetings, cohort activities, and partner events.
• Supporting other activities that enhance the internship experience and program objectives.

Benefits

• First Aid/CPR training.
• Professional development opportunities through the ForUsTree Cohort, including cohort meetings, networking opportunities, SCA-sponsored trainings, and program-wide events.

What This Job Offers

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