Texas GulfCorps - 2026 Conservation Crew Member

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