Individual Placement- Urban Forestry Outreach

For Us Tree  Member Program

This position is part of the For Us Tree  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 For Us Tree  member Cohort, receiving onboarding, regular check-ins, professional development opportunities, networking events, and ongoing program support from SCA throughout the individual placement.

Sugar Land, TX

This position is primarily based in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and reliable cell phone service are readily accessible. Regular interaction with members of the public is expected.

October 5, 2026 – March 19, 2027

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.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) serves as the program administrator for the For Us Tree  Individual Placement 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 placement.

• 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.

In addition to host site responsibilities, members may participate in SCA-led activities as members of the For Us Tree  Member Cohort. These opportunities may include:

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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 (PPE), including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face masks or shields, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors or actions that disrupt the work or safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily tasks, responsibilities, and project work under…