NatureWorks Green Infrastructure Career Academy
Build Skills. Gain Experience. Launch Your Career.
The NatureWorks Green Infrastructure Career Academy is a paid workforce development program that prepares participants for careers in green infrastructure, urban forestry, ecological restoration, conservation, and related land stewardship careers.
Applications Open: July 6th, 2026
About the Academy
NatureWorks combines paid technical training, professional development, industry certifications, mentorship, and hands-on work experience to create pathways into environmental careers.
Participants learn directly from local practitioners while contributing to projects that improve communities, public lands, and ecosystems throughout Southern Arizona.
Program Highlights
- Up to 1,000 hours of paid training and work experience
- Professional development and career readiness support
- Industry-recognized certifications
- Hands-on field experience with local practitioners
- Paid internships and apprenticeships
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Direct connections to employers and career pathways
Program Commitment and Expectations
Participants may complete up to 1,000 hours of paid training and work experience over approximately nine months, progressing from career exploration to technical training and professional work experience.
NatureWorks combines classroom instruction, field-based learning, professional development activities, and paid work experience.
Participants should expect:
- Consistent weekly participation throughout the program cycle
- Outdoor field work in a variety of weather conditions
- Travel to project sites throughout Pima County
- Professional development workshops and networking events
- Internship and apprenticeship schedules coordinated with host organizations
Detailed schedules are provided prior to enrollment.
Compensation and Benefits
NatureWorks is designed to reduce barriers to workforce participation by providing paid training and work experience opportunities.
Participant Benefits
- Paid workforce training
- Paid internships
- Paid apprenticeships
- Industry certifications
- Professional mentorship
- Career coaching and job readiness support
- Networking with employers and industry professionals
Pay Rates
Foundations Academy + Internship: $16.54/hr
Advanced Academy + Apprenticeship: $17.50/hr
Program Cycle and Calendar
Applications Open
Fall Foundations Academy
Running from September through November
Introduction to environmental careers, workplace readiness, and foundational skills in green infrastructure, restoration, and stewardship.
Winter Internship Experience
Runs December through January
Paid internships with community partners, public agencies, and environmental organizations that provide hands-on work experience and career exploration opportunities.
Spring Advanced Technical Academy
Runs January through March
Advanced technical training, certifications, and skill development led by local industry practitioners.
Spring Apprenticeship Placement
Runs March through May
Paid apprenticeship placements providing intensive hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and direct employment pathway opportunities.
Certificates and Training
Participants may earn certificates and credentials such as:
- OSHA
- CPR / First Aid
- Smartscape Certification
- Watershed Management Group Rainwater Harvesting Certification
- Additional industry-recognized credentials
Training Topics may include:
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure
- Urban Forestry
- Native Plants
- Ecological Restoration
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Landscape Maintenance
- Environmental Stewardship
- Professional Development
- Leadership Development
Trainings help you gain experience and exposure to launch into careers such as:
- Green Infrastructure Technician
- Urban Forestry Technician
- Restoration Technician
- Conservation Worker
- Native Plant Nursery Technician
- Landscape Professional
- Environmental Educator
- Public Agency Operations and Maintenance Staff
And more!
Eligibility
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be between 19-24 for the fall foundations Academy or 19-28 for the Spring Advanced Academy
- Individuals applying for the Spring Advanced Academy must have either completed the Fall Foundations Academy or have 3 months or more of relevant experience in a related field
- Reside in Pima County
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States
- Be able to participate in program activities and field experiences
- NatureWorks prioritizes opportunities for historically underrepresented identities and individuals living in historically underserved communities
No previous environmental experience is required.
Ideal Canidates
NatureWorks is designed for individuals who:
- Are interested in environmental or outdoor careers
- Enjoy hands-on learning
- Want to gain professional skills and certifications
- Are seeking meaningful employment opportunities
- Want to make a positive impact in their community
Application Process Important Dates - Fall Foundations Academy
Applications Opens
Applications Close
Applicant Review
Review runs through the month of August.
Interviews Begin
Acceptance Notifications
Program Orientation
Program orientation begins the last week of September.
Program Starts
Application Process Important Dates - Spring Advanced Academy
Applications Opens
Applications Close
Applicant Review
Review runs through the month of November.
Interviews Begin
Acceptance Notifications
Program Orientation
Program Orientation begins the first week of January.