Individual Placement- Facilities and Conservation
Houston Arboretum
Facilities and Conservation Individual Placement
Location: Houston TX
Position Dates: September 1, 2025 - December 19, 2025
About us:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.
About the Arboretum
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages, and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and sanctuary for native plants and animals. Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, this 155-acre urban nature sanctuary encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the natural world. One of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas, the Arboretum proudly welcomes over 11,000 school children and 625,000 visitors annually. Please visit our website for further information on the history, people, and programs of the Arboretum (www.houstonarboretum.org).
Position Description
The Arboretum seeks a well-organized, hard-working person local to the Houston metro area to join their Conservation Staff for the position of Facilities & Conservation Individual Placement. The participant will be heavily involved in both the physical and technical management of the site. The Facilities & Conservation Intern will primarily work outdoors independently or with a team of other personnel to ensure the grounds are safe and maintain a professional appearance for guests to enjoy. The position requires outdoor work and will be physically demanding at times. Training for field work, including the use of power tools or herbicides, can be completed by Arboretum staff.
This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in a career in public land management or park maintenance, as well as the outreach and education opportunities that public parks provide.
Candidates should be prepared for the physical difficulties of working outdoors – heat and humidity, rain, uneven ground and physical exertion, biting or stinging insects, irritating or thorny plants – and their passion for spending time in nature should outweigh the challenges!
Strong candidates will have some prior experience in general land management and basic hand tool use, while also being passionate about conservation and excited to learn best practices.
Duties
. Collaborate cooperatively with other staff to complete tasks in areas such as natural habitat areas, facilities maintenance, events, etc.
. Assist in maintenance of trails, invasive species removal and other site duties as needed.
. Mow, prune and edge vegetation around walkways, garden beds and other facilities.
. Ability to operate mechanical power tools and apply herbicides as needed.
. Operate a variety of small engine machinery.
. Inspect tools/equipment, perform basic repairs, and perform consistent maintenance for safety and efficiency.
. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to stand and walk for hours at a time.
. Comply with all Arboretum rules, safety policies, and procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
. Assist with Arboretum events and permitted groups.
. Must be comfortable working in immediate proximity to the general public in a safe and friendly manner, including the ability to interact tactfully with people from various backgrounds.
. Must be able to routinely work outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and humidity.
. Must have strong communication skills for interacting in a clear and professional manner with project partners, staff, and the general public.
. Must demonstrate responsibility, professionalism, and organizational skills required to work largely independently.
Member Benefits:
Living Allowance: $600.00 per week
Commuter Allowance: $50.00 per week
Housing Not Provided; Local Candidates Preferred.
AmeriCorps Award Eligible
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.