Individual Placement - Urban Forestry & Community Engagement

Position Summary 

The Urban ForUsTree Youth Programs Internship will support a six-month pilot focused on urban forestry, environmental education, youth leadership, community engagement, and career exposure across the Houston area. The intern will coordinate and help facilitate school-based workshops, recruit and support a small after-school and weekend Youth Fellows cohort with a local school district, and organize field experiences, stewardship activities, student-led environmental projects, and community tree giveaway events. Major duties will include program and event coordination, preparation of hands-on learning materials, communication with school and community partners, support for tree distribution and public events, career exploration activities, and tracking participation and program outcomes. Participants will engage in learning related to urban forestry, climate resilience, native plants and habitat, conservation, and environmental careers while gaining hands-on experience through field-based activities and community projects. The primary goals of the position are to expand access to urban forestry education and community stewardship, deepen youth engagement through recurring programming, and help SCA test and strengthen a repeatable model that connects young people to future paid conservation and workforce opportunities.

Hosting Organization

Location 

Houston, TX

• This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.

Schedule 

October 5, 2026 - March 19, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Coordinate and co-facilitate hands-on workshops for high school students focused on urban forestry, conservation, climate resilience, native habitats, and environmental career pathways.
• Recruit, engage, and support a small after-school and weekend Urban ForUsTree Youth Fellows cohort in partnership with a local school district.
• Plan and coordinate Youth Fellows activities, field experiences, stewardship projects, career exploration opportunities, and community-based programming.
• Support students in designing and implementing urban forestry, native pollinator habitat, community greening, and other environmental stewardship projects.
• Coordinate and support native fruit tree giveaway events, tree-planting activities, and other community-based ForUsTree programs throughout the Houston area.
• Assist with event planning, partner coordination, community outreach, site logistics, materials preparation, tree distribution, volunteer engagement, and day-of event implementation.
• Coordinate and co-facilitate environmental education workshops with schools, school districts, community organizations, and other community-based partners.
• Prepare and organize workshop materials, PPE, field equipment, native plants, seeds, trees, and other supplies needed for educational activities and community events.
• Coordinate program logistics with SCA staff, school district partners, community organizations, environmental professionals, volunteers, students, and participating families.
• Coordinate guest speakers, site visits, and career exploration opportunities related to forestry, conservation, natural resources, and environmental careers.
• Maintain accurate participation records; collect feedback and evaluation data; and document workshops, student activities, community events, and program outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of workshop materials, activity plans, event procedures, and program resources to support the replication and expansion of SCA’s youth and community urban forestry programs.

Marginal Duties 

• Assist with developing and distributing outreach and recruitment materials for youth programs, educational workshops, and community events.
• Support the inventory, organization, transportation, and maintenance of program supplies, tools, PPE, and educational materials.
• Assist with preparing trees, native plants, seeds, and other materials for community distributions, planting activities, and stewardship projects.
• Participate in staff and partner meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as appropriate.
• Support volunteer engagement by providing basic guidance and assistance to volunteers during events and service activities.
• Assist with photography, storytelling, social media content, and other program documentation in accordance with SCA and partner guidelines.
• Research local environmental resources, field trip opportunities, community partners, and career pathway opportunities to strengthen and expand programming.
• Support general administrative tasks, including scheduling, purchasing, data entry, file organization, communications, and program preparation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support SCA’s urban forestry, youth engagement, environmental education, and community conservation programs.

Required Qualifications 

Must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to serve or work in the United States. Candidates must be local to the Houston, Texas area for the duration of the position and have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel to schools, community sites, events, and field locations throughout the Houston area. Successful completion of all required SCA and school district background checks and youth-safety screenings is required.

Candidates must demonstrate an interest in environmental education, urban forestry, conservation, youth development, community engagement, or a related field, along with the ability to work effectively with high school-aged youth and diverse community members. Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills are required, as is the ability to facilitate small-group activities, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences.

Must be available to support occasional after-school, evening, and weekend programs and events and be comfortable working outdoors in varying Houston-area weather conditions. Must also be able to safely lift, carry, and transport program supplies, tools, plants, trees, personal protective equipment (PPE), and event materials as needed.

Preferred Qualifications 

Preferred qualifications include previous experience working with high school-aged youth through youth development programs, camps, after-school programs, environmental education, or similar settings. Coursework, training, or experience in environmental science, forestry, natural resources, conservation, sustainability, education, community engagement, or a related field is preferred. Experience facilitating workshops, presentations, group activities, or hands-on learning experiences is highly valued.

Familiarity with urban forestry, native plants, pollinator habitats, tree care, or community-based conservation is beneficial. Experience supporting community events, volunteer activities, outreach initiatives, or other public-facing programs is preferred, along with strong event planning, project coordination, organizational, and time-management skills. Experience collaborating with schools, school districts, community-based organizations, nonprofit partners, or other community stakeholders is a plus.

Spanish-language proficiency or other language skills that support meaningful engagement with Houston-area communities is preferred. First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification, is desirable. Candidates should be comfortable using basic digital tools for scheduling, communication, data tracking, presentations, and program documentation.

A demonstrated interest in environmental careers, workforce development, youth leadership, and creating pathways for young people to pursue conservation and environmental careers is strongly preferred.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Not provided

Compensation  

$850

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.  

Additional Benefits 

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.