Community Conservation Apprentice

Position Description

The Community Conservation Apprentice will support WMG’s green stormwater infrastructure and urban forestry initiatives serving historically underserved neighborhoods across Tucson. As part of the GROW Tucson collaborative—partnering with the City of Tucson, Tucson Audubon Society, Tucson Clean & Beautiful, SERI, and Iskashitaa Refugee Network—this role advances environmental justice, climate resilience, and workforce development.

Responsibilities include assisting with rainwater harvesting and tree canopy projects in residential and public landscapes; supporting community engagement, workshops, and restoration efforts at WMG’s Living Lab, schools, and community sites; and contributing to project coordination and follow-up.

The ideal candidate is passionate about water harvesting, native plants, urban cooling, and environmental equity, and eager to learn and teach others. Weekly cohort-based training sessions (Fridays, 3–5 p.m.) are included as part of onboarding and professional development.

Job Requirements

• Interest in and support of WMG’s mission and vision.
• Interest in rainwater harvesting.
• Basic knowledge of environmental sustainability or urban water cycles.
• Awareness of how GSI contributes to flood control, water quality, and urban greening.
• Comfortable using basic tools for site observation (e.g., measuring tape, shovel, rake, wheelbarrow, laser level)
• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Cell phone that can be used to make and receive work calls
• Ability to work well in a team setting, and coordinate other team members to accomplish events and projects together.
• Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

Routine Duties & Responsibilities

Green Stormwater Infrastructure 

• Attend and pass WMG’s Water Harvesting Certification in October 2026.
• Participate in design and implementation of GSI plans in different urban settings.
• Maintain and repair passive water harvesting features such as basins, berms, and curb cuts.
• Restore native vegetation and remove invasive species from bioswales and green corridors.
• Monitor and address erosion, soil health, and water infiltration in GSI installations.
• Install and adjust features such as mulch, rockwork, and overflow pathways.

Community Engagement and Resource Development

• Assist in planning neighborhood/community-based rain garden educational programs in coordination with staff team, may include bilingual events
• Engage with community participants at events
• Assist in teaching rain garden educational workshops and support rain garden kit distribution with target audience. Workshops may be in English, bilingual, or in Spanish, and will often take place on Saturdays and weekday evenings.
• Assist in community-based green infrastructure and restoration projects
• Assist with outreach initiatives to engage diverse communities including Latinx, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and limited income households.
• Assist with creating content to share and promote WMG’s project work through our website; radio, news, and social media; and print materials.
• Assist educational trainings, on a variety of watershed stewardship topics, based on knowledge and expertise.
• Attend local coalition meetings related to climate adaptation, urban forestry, and environmental justice.
• Contribute to pilot projects and community design efforts focused on equitable infrastructure solutions.

Preferred Experience

• Knowledgeable in environmental issues of the Southwest U.S. and Sonoran Desert.
• Some experience (even volunteer-based) with outdoor work or community-based environmental projects.
• Exposure to tasks like planting, mulching, or basic construction or landscaping.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with diverse communities.
• Bilingual speaker and writer, fluent in English and Spanish