About us: Conservation Begins Here®

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a national nonprofit that connects young people with meaningful conservation service across parks, green spaces, and public lands. SCA participants support local communities while gaining skills and experience in environmental work.

Position Summary 

The SCA intern will work closely with the Projects Team at Trees For Houston to support our mission of planting, protecting, and promoting trees throughout the Greater Houston area. The intern will assist in identifying new planting sites, supporting tree planting and giveaway events, and helping manage our tree donation program. They will also contribute to tree mapping efforts using GIS technology and participate in educational and outreach events for both youth and adults. This role offers a hands-on experience in urban forestry and community engagement. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the Projects Team.

Location 

Houston, TX

Schedule 

September 22, 2025 - March 21, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist in identifying and assessing potential planting sites across the Houston area; Support setup and operations of community tree planting and giveaway events including volunteer coordination; Coordinate logistics and communication for the tree donation program; Conduct tree mapping and data entry using GIS tools; Participate in delivering environmental education and outreach programs to schools and community groups; Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the Projects Team;

Marginal Duties 

Help with basic tree maintenance tasks (e.g., watering, mulching, weeding); Assist with taking and reporting tree inventory; Support administrative tasks such as printing materials or preparing event supplies; Attend internal staff meetings and project planning sessions; Adapt to support other team initiatives or special projects as they arise;

Required Qualifications 

Must have access to a personal vehicle for transportation to various project sites and events, as well as transporting items such as volunteer gloves, vests, first aid kit, etc; Must be able to lift and carry items such as 5-gallon trees, event supplies, and planting tools; Must be comfortable performing physical tasks outdoors in varying weather conditions, including digging and planting trees; Must demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and kindly with community members, volunteers, and donors; Must be able to work independently when necessary and manage tasks with minimal supervision;

Preferred Qualifications 

General knowledge of trees and environmental stewardship principles; Experience working with volunteers or participating in community events; Experience in outreach or education, particularly with youth audiences; Comfort with GIS or interest in learning tree mapping tools; Interest in urban forestry, environmental conservation, or nonprofit work; Ability to adapt to changing priorities and contribute to team needs as they arise;

Hours 

40 per week

Weekly schedule will be Tuesday-Saturday

Living Accommodations 

Local candidates only; housing not provided

Compensation  

Living Allowance: $850 per week

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

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.