Individual Placement- Urban and Community Forestry at Texas A&M Forest Service

Position Summary 

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.

 

Hosting Organization

Texas A & M Forest Service

 

Supervision

Host Site Supervisor

Members report directly to an assigned supervisor at the host organization, who is responsible for providing day-to-day supervision, work assignments, mentorship, site-specific training, bi-weekly timesheet approval, and regular feedback throughout the individual placement.

 

SCA Program Supervisor

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) serves as the program administrator for the ForUsTree Program. SCA staff provide onboarding, conduct regular individual check-ins, coordinate cohort activities, support professional development, monitor grant compliance, and serve as an additional resource throughout the individual placement.

 

Location 

College Station, 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 a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

 

Schedule 

October 5, 2026 - March 19, 2027

 

Key Duties and 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;

 

Marginal Duties 

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;

In addition to host site responsibilities, members may have opportunities to participate in SCA-led activities as members of the ForUsTree Cohort. These opportunities may include supporting 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.

 

Required Qualifications 

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;

 

Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

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;

 

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. 
• 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 safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, 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. 
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.

 

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

No living accommodations provided.

 

Compensation  

$850-weekly living allowance

2,000 duty-related reimburseable expenses

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

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

 

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 

Interpretive Skills

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.