Individual Placement- Urban and Community Forestry at Texas A&M Forest Service

Position Summary 

This individual placement will support the Texas A&M Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program by assisting with the planning, coordination, and implementation of urban forestry initiatives that enhance community resilience, environmental quality, and public engagement. The member will help deliver tree planting and care workshops, education and outreach events, community tree giveaways, Texas Arbor Day programs, and basic sick tree assessments. Members will also develop and maintain educational resources, presentations, infographics, reports, social media content, and program materials that support urban forestry efforts throughout the Greater Houston region. The primary goals of the position are to expand the public's forest literacy, increase community capacity for sustainable tree stewardship, and support projects that improve environmental and community health. In addition, members will gain exposure to a wide range of natural resource disciplines through staff shadowing opportunities within Urban and Community Forestry, Water Resources, Forest Health, Fire Mitigation, and Forestry professionals. This experience is designed to build technical knowledge, professional skills, and hands-on experience in community-based natural resource management while supporting the agency's mission of serving and assisting Texas communities.

 

About the ForUsTree Program

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 individual placement.

 

Hosting Organization

Texas A & M Forest Service

 

Supervision

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 individual 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 individual placement.

 

Location 

College Station, TX

• This position is primarily in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are available within 30 minutes . Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

 

Schedule 

October 5, 2026 - March 19, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist with planning, coordinating, and implementing urban forestry programs and community forestry projects including: Tree planting and tree care workshops, educational programs, outreach events, tree inventories, and community tree giveaways; Participate in community meetings, partner coordination efforts, and urban forestry project support activities; Develop sample tree ordinances, educational materials, presentations, infographics, reports, and outreach resources;

 

Marginal Duties 

Shadow professionals from Urban and Community Forestry, Water Resources, Forest Health, Forestry, and Fire Mitigation programs; Participate in site visits, field tours, and partner organization meetings; Create and organize social media content and communication materials t