Join a traveling team of 5 local young adults for a seasonal paid service program in entry-level conservation service with Federal, State, and/or local partners on public land within Texas. Service will include a variety of land restoration and natural resource management practices, determined by partner organization needs, which can include invasive plant species removal, general maintenance and landscaping of public areas, trail and/or boardwalk creation and maintenance, public outreach, data collection including GIS data, litter abatement, as well as other activities. Team members will receive certifications, training, and experience valuable for careers in environmental stewardship.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, and much more across the country.
This position is part of SCA's National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18–24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands-on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job-skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity-youth eligibility criteria
Member Impact
The Student Conservation Association's Texas GulfCorps team is focused on providing young adults opportunities to grow competitive skills in the field of natural resource management to prepare them to move into jobs with our project partners, or other conservation organizations, after their term of service. Our partners include the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and/or other national, state, or local environmental agencies. The program will include hands-on conservation service experience, filling partner organizations' needs to improve native habitat and improve public access or experience.
Around 90 hours can be expected to be spent completing professional development training with the Corps Network, including topics such as: leadership development, resume building, interviewing, communication, public speaking, networking, etc.
Schedule
9/6/26 – 3/6/26
Subject to change
Hours
40 hours per week
Weekly schedule either 5 8-hour days (M-F) OR 4 10-hour days (M-Th or Tu-F) dependent on program needs
May require some service outside of these hours, or beyond 40 hours some weeks.
A minimum 30-minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.
Service Location
Based in Houston, Texas
Projects will take place at various coastal Texas locations, within 100 miles of the Gulf coast, from Texas' southern border to north of Houston
AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement
900 hours
Education award contingent on completion of all program hours and requirements, 40 hrs/week, 9/6/26 – 3/6/26
Essential Functions
All team members are expected to:
. be respectful of others,
. arrive on time according to the schedule,
. actively contribute to service projects, while using tools safely and wearing required personal protective equipment
. be prepared for and open to learning
. have an interest in public lands, public service, and/or community outdoor spaces
. be aware of changing conditions in any service environment to ensure safety, and
. engage in educational and professional development activities
The position functions will comply with all AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.
Required Qualifications
Service will primarily be outdoors and will sometimes require heavy lifting. Successful members will be able to travel across uneven terrain for 8 hours of a 10-hour workday, while carrying equipment or tools that can weigh 50 lbs. Service will require use of gas-powered equipment such as chainsaws or brushcutters, as well as application of herbicide for vegetation control. Service is expected to be conducted in somewhat remote settings, without access to modern amenities (running water or electrical outlets), for the entirety of the workday. These settings can include temperature ranges from extreme heat and humidity to temperatures as low as freezing, muddy or wet environments or rainy conditions, areas with elevation changes, and areas with continuous direct sunlight throughout the day. Some service may be completed close to the southern border of the United States. Some service will also include basic familiarity and abilities with computers and/or smart phone applications.
The NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certification requires passing a physical fitness test that includes walking a 3-mile course while carrying 45 pounds in no greater than 45 minutes, known as a “pack test”.
The crew will do a pack test as an educational experience, but members will not receive an NWCG Firefighter certification.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
. Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
. Being at least 18 years or older;
. Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;
. Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants that are interested in pursuing an environmental career, that are local and personally invested in Texas and/or the Gulf coast, and that are interested in learning conservation practices from leading organizations in the field.
Commitment Required
Must be able to serve for the full duration of the program
Attendance for some dates is required and non-negotiable, to include training 9/6-9/19
Living Accommodations
Accommodations will be provided during scheduled projects – this usually includes dorm-style bunkhouses at project sites or rented housing, but can also include camping.
Members should have personal local housing (near programming based in Houston) and a means to reach that housing for days where service is not being performed (weekends, etc)
Personal Vehicle Requirement
Personal vehicle is highly recommended: members are responsible for their own travel to Houston headquarters for workdays, travel to sites is provided.
Compensation
. Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $600/week, paid bi-weekly
. One-time travel allowance payment: $600
. Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $3,697.50
. All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
. Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
. Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
Training and Additional Benefits
. Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours
. AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation
. Wilderness First Aid (or equivalent first aid training)
. NWCG S-112 Wildland Fire Chainsaws Certificate and other NWCG Wildland Fire courses
. US Forest Service chainsaw training and certification
. SCA Risk Management
. Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
. Professional Development & Job Readiness
Team members will have the opportunity to meet and serve alongside partners from different environmental agencies in coastal Texas. This program strives to have members prepared for environmental careers after successful completion.
General Physical and Emotional Requirements
- Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
- Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
- 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 internal or external, safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, chaps, 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.
- If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
- Able to independently carry a backpack weighing approximately 45% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions
- Able to lift a backpack weighing 45% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
- Able to grip a third point of contact for balance purposes when crossing rivers or streams, and ascending and/or descending slopes.
- Able to independently carry a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight for a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 15 miles with adequate breaks dependent on weather, terrain, and trail conditions.
- Able to lift a backpack weighing up to or approximately 30% of body weight, with minimal assistance from others.
- Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device according to US Coast Guard specifications.
Service Conditions
Service is performed primarily outdoors in various weather conditions. Service schedules and projects may change on short notice. Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people from varying perspectives. Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures at or below freezing with wind, snow, and sleet; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
