Urban Green- Houston Urban Forestry Crew Member

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

October 6, 2025 - February 7, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Mow, edge, and maintain grassy areas at designated project sites such as Jenkins Garden and Bryan Pocket Park;

Mulch planting beds, adjust landscape rocks, and remove weeds using hand tools and herbicides;

Prune and trim trees and shrubs, including regular maintenance of crepe myrtles along Lockwood Drive and Harrisburg Boulevard;

Support tree planting efforts and assist with staking, stringing, mulching, and watering newly planted trees;

Apply fertilizer and assist with seasonal tree care across the East End District;

Wear the SCA uniform and represent the program professionally in the field;

Complete required data collection, logs, and photos to document service activities;

Follow safety guidelines for tool use, herbicide handling, and field operations;

Participate in team briefings, tool maintenance, and project site clean-up;

Assist with other greenspace projects and assignments as needed by the partner site;

Marginal Duties

Participate in occasional community outreach or volunteer events;

Assist with tool and equipment inventory or transport;

Attend training sessions or workshops as scheduled by SCA or the partner site;

Support photo documentation and storytelling efforts for program visibility;

Engage in peer mentoring or group reflections when appropriate;

Help identify site needs or improvement opportunities during field visits;

Participate in occasional Saturday workdays to support community events;

Required Qualifications

Interest in conservation, landscaping, or urban forestry;

Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat and humidity;

Ability to perform physical labor such as lifting, digging, bending, and using hand tools;

Ability to follow directions, work as part of a team, and maintain a positive attitude;

Commitment to reliable attendance and punctuality;

Must commit to the full duration of the program;

Must be eligible to work in the United States;

Completion of required onboarding forms, surveys, and safety trainings;

Must wear SCA-provided uniform and follow all safety and conduct guidelines;

Participation in data collection and documentation of service activities is required;

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with landscaping, gardening, or outdoor maintenance;

Familiarity with hand tools or lawn care equipment;

Interest in pursuing a career in environmental work, public land management, or green infrastructure;

Strong communication skills and willingness to learn new tasks;

Bilingual in English and Spanish or other community languages;

Resides in or has strong ties to Houston’s East End or surrounding neighborhoods;

Demonstrated commitment to community service or teamwork-based projects;

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Must be local to Houston, no housing provided.

Compensation

$800 a week

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Wilderness First Aid Training
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.