Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Filed Leader- Houston Urban Forestry Crew
Student Conservation Association (SCA), Houston, Texas, United States, 77001
Houston Urban Forestry Crew
Position Summary The Houston Urban Forestry Crew offers young adults hands-on experience in urban conservation through weekly fieldwork across Houston's East End. Participants will support the maintenance of public greenspaces and street trees by mowing, edging, mulching, pruning, de-weeding, and applying fertilizer or herbicide as needed. They will help care for crepe myrtles along major corridors like Harrisburg Boulevard and Lockwood Drive and assist with tree planting and landscape improvements in parks and trails. This entry-level opportunity is designed for individuals interested in exploring careers in conservation, urban forestry, or green infrastructure. Crew members will build foundational skills in field safety, landscaping, and environmental stewardship while contributing to visible, community-rooted projects. Location Houston, TX Schedule September 15, 2025 - February 14, 2026 Key Duties and Responsibilities Lead a team of young adults in completing weekly urban forestry and greenspace maintenance projects; Manage daily logistics, delegate tasks, and ensure timely completion of scope items including pruning, mowing, mulching, and weeding; Conduct daily safety briefings and maintain a culture of risk awareness and professionalism; Coordinate with SCA program staff and East End District partners to adjust work plans as needed; Track and report service hours, project impact data, and weekly crew progress updates; Model tool safety and proper use of hand tools, herbicides, and landscaping equipment; Wear SCA-provided uniform and ensure team compliance with conduct and safety expectations; Support transportation and tool organization, including basic inventory and site readiness; Participate in occasional Saturday workdays to support community events. Marginal Duties Participate in or lead outreach and education events with local partners; Support photo documentation and storytelling efforts; Assist with equipment transport, inventory, and coordination of tool needs; Lead or facilitate peer-to-peer mentorship and reflection sessions; Contribute to identifying additional maintenance or conservation needs at project sites; Support administrative tasks related to timesheets, incident reports, and scheduling. Required Qualifications Experience leading or supervising teams in outdoor, service, or labor-intensive settings; Ability to manage work plans, support team morale, and uphold professional standards; Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat and humidity; Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs, digging, and bending; Strong communication, conflict resolution, and time management skills; Must commit to the full duration of the program and lead the crew consistently; Must complete required onboarding, background checks, and leader training; Responsible for submitting service logs, timesheets, and partner-facing documentation; Must wear SCA-provided uniform and uphold team safety and conduct protocols. Preferred Qualifications Prior experience in landscaping, tree care, conservation, or environmental education; Experience working with youth or young adult crews from diverse backgrounds; Familiarity with tree planting and maintenance techniques including pruning and mulching; Bilingual in English and Spanish or other community-relevant languages; Resides in or has strong ties to Houston's East End or nearby neighborhoods; Demonstrated ability to represent a program professionally to partners and the public; Interest in pursuing a career in conservation leadership, green infrastructure, or urban resilience. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Must be local to Houston, housing is not provided Compensation $900 weekly All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Additional Benefits Defensive Drive Training First Aid/CPR Wilderness First Aid Training 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.
Position Summary The Houston Urban Forestry Crew offers young adults hands-on experience in urban conservation through weekly fieldwork across Houston's East End. Participants will support the maintenance of public greenspaces and street trees by mowing, edging, mulching, pruning, de-weeding, and applying fertilizer or herbicide as needed. They will help care for crepe myrtles along major corridors like Harrisburg Boulevard and Lockwood Drive and assist with tree planting and landscape improvements in parks and trails. This entry-level opportunity is designed for individuals interested in exploring careers in conservation, urban forestry, or green infrastructure. Crew members will build foundational skills in field safety, landscaping, and environmental stewardship while contributing to visible, community-rooted projects. Location Houston, TX Schedule September 15, 2025 - February 14, 2026 Key Duties and Responsibilities Lead a team of young adults in completing weekly urban forestry and greenspace maintenance projects; Manage daily logistics, delegate tasks, and ensure timely completion of scope items including pruning, mowing, mulching, and weeding; Conduct daily safety briefings and maintain a culture of risk awareness and professionalism; Coordinate with SCA program staff and East End District partners to adjust work plans as needed; Track and report service hours, project impact data, and weekly crew progress updates; Model tool safety and proper use of hand tools, herbicides, and landscaping equipment; Wear SCA-provided uniform and ensure team compliance with conduct and safety expectations; Support transportation and tool organization, including basic inventory and site readiness; Participate in occasional Saturday workdays to support community events. Marginal Duties Participate in or lead outreach and education events with local partners; Support photo documentation and storytelling efforts; Assist with equipment transport, inventory, and coordination of tool needs; Lead or facilitate peer-to-peer mentorship and reflection sessions; Contribute to identifying additional maintenance or conservation needs at project sites; Support administrative tasks related to timesheets, incident reports, and scheduling. Required Qualifications Experience leading or supervising teams in outdoor, service, or labor-intensive settings; Ability to manage work plans, support team morale, and uphold professional standards; Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat and humidity; Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs, digging, and bending; Strong communication, conflict resolution, and time management skills; Must commit to the full duration of the program and lead the crew consistently; Must complete required onboarding, background checks, and leader training; Responsible for submitting service logs, timesheets, and partner-facing documentation; Must wear SCA-provided uniform and uphold team safety and conduct protocols. Preferred Qualifications Prior experience in landscaping, tree care, conservation, or environmental education; Experience working with youth or young adult crews from diverse backgrounds; Familiarity with tree planting and maintenance techniques including pruning and mulching; Bilingual in English and Spanish or other community-relevant languages; Resides in or has strong ties to Houston's East End or nearby neighborhoods; Demonstrated ability to represent a program professionally to partners and the public; Interest in pursuing a career in conservation leadership, green infrastructure, or urban resilience. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Must be local to Houston, housing is not provided Compensation $900 weekly All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Additional Benefits Defensive Drive Training First Aid/CPR Wilderness First Aid Training 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.