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Position Summary

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.

About the ForUsTree Member Program

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.

Hosting Organization

Sewa International Inc.

Location

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.

Schedule

October 5, 2026 – March 19, 2027

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 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.

Key Duties and 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.

Marginal Duties

In addition to host site responsibilities, members may participate in SCA-led activities as members of the ForUsTree 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

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 (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 changing conditions and variable routines.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without support.
• Able to manage outdoor environmental exposure (e.g., heat, wind, sun, and weather conditions).
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout the internship.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications according to prescribed dosage and timing without supervisor assistance. If medication is administered by injection, able to self-administer the injection.

Working Conditions

Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Hours

40 hours per week

Living Accommodations

N/A

Compensation

Weekly Living Allowance: $850

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Driving

Required

Additional Benefits

• First Aid/CPR training.
• Professional development opportunities through the ForUsTree Cohort, including cohort meetings, networking opportunities, SCA-sponsored trainings, and program-wide events.
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to fostering a workplace where individuals can grow both personally and professionally.