Position Summary
The SCA Conservation Educator member will be placed at Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy (WWGC), a 291-acre urban greenspace and flood mitigation project serving a diverse community of over 70,000 residents in southwest Houston, Texas. The primary goal of this position is to support habitat restoration, environmental education, and community conservation programming across the site's 20-acre coastal prairie, riparian zones, and open water habitats. The member's major field duties will include invasive species removal, native plant installation, prairie restoration, tree mulching, trail maintenance, and plant and animal surveys. In addition to land stewardship, the member will assist with environmental education programming, social media content creation, volunteer coordination, and networking. One day per week, the member will collaborate with partner organization Neighborhoods to Trails Southwest (NTTSW), gaining exposure to trail planning, community engagement, and how private and government entities work together on urban greenspace projects. This position offers a comprehensive conservation experience that bridges hands-on habitat work with community outreach and professional development.
This position is part of the ForUsTree Program, a paid workforce development initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC).
members 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 Cohort, receiving onboarding, regular check-ins, professional development opportunities, networking opportunities, and ongoing program support from SCA throughout the placement.
Hosting Organization
Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
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 placement.
SCA Program Supervisor
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) serves as the program administrator for the ForUsTree 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 opportunity. In addition to host site responsibilities, Members may have opportunities to participate in SCA-led activities as members of the ForUsTree Cohort. These opportunities may include supporting native fruit tree giveaway events, community outreach and volunteer events, environmental education programs, professional development and networking opportunities, multimedia and storytelling projects, SCA meetings, cohort activities, partner events, and other duties that support the individual placement experience and program objectives.
Location
Houston, TX
Schedule
October 5, 2026 - March 19, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Invasive species removal and woody plant management across a 20-acre coastal prairie and riparian habitats
- Native plant installation, propagation, and habitat restoration
- Conducting plant and wildlife surveys to support species inventories and restoration planning
- Trail maintenance, litter removal, and general site stewardship
- Tree mulching, maintenance, and care
- Supporting environmental education programs, including K–12 field trips and community events
- Volunteer coordination and community engagement
- Creating social media content and documenting conservation activities through photography and other media
- Collaborating one day per week with Neighborhoods to Trails Southwest to support trail planning, community outreach, and partner networking
Marginal Duties
Provide general office and administrative support, attend staff meetings and organizational events, assist with grant documentation and project reporting, and support special events such as the Colors of the Prairie Chalk Art Festival in November 2026. Participate in professional development opportunities, including TPWD Certified Angler Instructor workshops and guest speaker sessions. Capture photography and visual content for organizational communications and outreach, and assist with website updates, social media, and other digital content as needed.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a degree program in environmental science, biology, ecology, conservation, natural resources, environmental education, or a related field. Candidates must be able to perform physical outdoor work in variable weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the host site are required. Applicants should have basic familiarity with native and invasive plant species of the Gulf Coast region or a willingness to learn. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required for community engagement and volunteer coordination, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partner organizations. Candidates must also successfully pass a background check prior to starting the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include experience with invasive species identification and removal techniques, as well as familiarity with Gulf Coast native plant communities, particularly coastal prairie and riparian ecosystems. Experience assisting with or leading environmental education programs, community outreach, volunteer coordination, or other community engagement activities is highly valued. Candidates with social media content creation skills, including photography, videography, and caption writing, are encouraged to apply. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred due to the diverse community served by WWGC. Familiarity with iNaturalist or similar citizen science platforms for species documentation, trail maintenance, or outdoor recreation programming is also beneficial. Prior experience with a conservation corps, AmeriCorps, or a similar service program is preferred.
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, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear. Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
- If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
- Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
- Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
- Able to independently mount and dismount a bike.
- Able to properly wear a bike helmet.
- Able to independently pedal, steer, stop, and negotiate a bike over a variety of terrain and surfaces, including uphill, downhill, flat, gravel, and pavement.
- Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
- If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
- Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
- Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment.
- Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
- If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
- Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
- Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment.
Working Conditions
The work environment requires the ability to interact positively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Work may take place outdoors in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, reduced visibility, lightning, and poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke or smog. Work settings may include natural and regionally significant areas that require respect for the land, local communities, and cultural resources. Outdoor work may also occur in high temperatures and extreme heat conditions, potentially reaching 110°F or higher. Employees may be exposed to natural and environmental hazards, including poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, ticks, mosquitoes, insects, snakes, and other wildlife.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Not provided
Compensation
$850/week living allowance
$2,000 duty-related reimbursable expenses
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Required
Additional Benefits
Interpretive Skills
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
