Urban Green - Community Forestry at Texas A&M Forest Service

Student Conservation Association•College Station, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This individual placement will support the Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program by assisting with the planning, coordination, and implementation of urban forestry initiatives that enhance community resilience, environmental quality, and public engagement. The member will help deliver tree planting and care workshops, education and outreach events, community tree giveaways, Texas Arbor Day programs, and basic sick tree assessments. Members will also develop and maintain educational resources, presentations, infographics, reports, social media content, and program materials that support urban forestry efforts throughout the Greater Houston region. The primary goals of the position are to expand the public's forest literacy, increase community capacity for sustainable tree stewardship, and support projects that improve environmental and community health. In addition, members will gain exposure to a wide range of natural resource disciplines through staff shadowing opportunities within Urban and Community Forestry, Water Resources, Forest Health, Fire Mitigation, and Forestry professionals. This experience is designed to build technical knowledge, professional skills, and hands-on experience in community-based natural resource management while supporting the agency's mission of serving and assisting Texas communities. ABOUT THE FORUSTREE PROGRAM This position is part of the ForUsTree Program, a paid workforce development initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC). Members 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 Cohort, receiving onboarding, regular check-ins, professional development opportunities, networking opportunities, and ongoing program support from SCA throughout the individual placement.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both outdoors and in an office setting
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and participate in outdoor events in various weather conditions
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel to program sites throughout the Greater Houston area
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and online communication tools
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities, partners, and agency staff
Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Nice To Haves

Current enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, ecology, biology, horticulture, or a related field
Coursework or experience related to urban forestry, arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, conservation, or environmental education
Experience coordinating events, workshops, volunteer activities, or community outreach programs
Knowledge of tree identification, tree planting, and tree care practices
Experience creating presentations, educational materials, graphics, or social media content
Ability to speak Spanish or another language commonly used in the region

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, coordinating, and implementing urban forestry programs and community forestry projects including: Tree planting and tree care workshops, educational programs, outreach events, tree inventories, and community tree giveaways.
Participate in community meetings, partner coordination efforts, and urban forestry project support activities.
Develop sample tree ordinances, educational materials, presentations, infographics, reports, and outreach resources.
Shadow professionals from Urban and Community Forestry, Water Resources, Forest Health, Forestry, and Fire Mitigation programs.
Participate in site visits, field tours, and partner organization meetings.
Create and organize social media content and communication materials that support urban forestry initiatives.
Support native fruit tree giveaway events, community outreach and volunteer events, environmental education programs, professional development and networking opportunities, multimedia and storytelling projects, SCA meetings, cohort activities, partner events, and other duties that support the program objectives.