Position Description
The Houston Public Works Stormwater Operations Branch is seeking candidates for the position of Vegetation Management Intern. This position is designed to provide individuals with hands-on training and experience in the field of vegetation management to encourage them to secure a permanent job opportunities with Houston Public Works. Find more information about the organization here http://https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/stormwater-operations
If you are interested in gaining field experience in vegetation management and pursuing a career in this field in Houston Public Works, we encourage you to apply for this internship!
Project Location: City of Houston
Program Dates: April 24, 2023 – October 22, 2023
Candidates will be expected to arrive at the City of Houston Department of Public Works Facility at 6AM each service day. Transportation to each work site will be provided by Public Works staff.
Public transportation to the Public Works facility is available via Bus Route 56.
Hours: T-F, 6am-4:30pm. Work week will be adjusted accordingly when for holidays.
Responsibilities
- Receive training on mowing practices for green spaces in the City's right-of-way and off-road drainage
- Work alongside certified herbicide applicator personnel to learn about vegetation control techniques
- Join City personnel in training opportunities for green stormwater infrastructure maintenance
- Participate in regular team meetings to discuss work progress and share ideas
- Follow all safety protocols and procedures related to vegetation management activities
Member Qualifications (Essential Functions)/Desired Skills
- Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member
- Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
- Must be at least 18 years or older
- Local candidates only
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one;
- Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;
- Ability to pass SCA’s AmeriCorps criminal history background check. Passion for the great outdoors
- Willingness to learn
- Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Ability to utilize lawn, shrub, and tree care principles and practices learned in provided training
- Ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with supervisors, city employees, and the general public.
Member Benefits
- Members will be engaged in a national network of professional resources and a peer group.
- Compensation:
- $600 weekly living allowance
- SCA Uniform Package
- Upon successful completion of service, a $3,247.50 AmeriCorps Education Award (900 Minimum Service Hours)*
- AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program
- Trainings provided:
- AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy
- AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination
- Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
- Sexual Harassment & Maintaining a Positive Workplace
- Risk Management 101
- Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc.
- Ongoing Professional Development
- mowing practices of green spaces in the City’s right-of-way
- mowing practices of green spaces on off-road drainage channels
- working side-by-side with certified herbicide applicator personnel
- green stormwater infrastructure maintenance
*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
2023 Tentative Schedule
*Please note – this is a tentative schedule. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same.
- 04/24/23 – 04/28/23: National Direct Program (Virtual) Orientation & On-Site Training
- 05/01/2023- 10/15/2023: Field Season
- 10/16/2023 – 10/22/2023: Last week of service & Final wrap up
Hours
T-F, 6am-4:30pm, 40 hours per week. Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 26 weeks. Members must achieve a minimum of 900 hours of service within 26 weeks. Specific weekly position schedules may vary depending on the needs of the site.
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member.
It is SCA’s policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position’s start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position’s start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.
It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants in the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.
Conditions of Employment
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
SCA1957
Position ID: PO-00733846
Expected Dates: April 24, 2023 - October 22, 2023
Location:
611 Walker Street
Houston, TX 77002
US
Training Provided: Vegetation management practices (mowing, herbicide application, green stormwaterinfrastructure maintenance
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Sustainability
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Housing or Stipend Provided?
D. No housing is available
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes