Operations & Technology 2026 Summer Internship

About TreeFolks

TreeFolks mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees. For over 37 years, TreeFolks has planted more than 3 million trees, distributed 190,000 trees to local residents, engaged over 50,000 volunteers, and educated both children and adults about planting, protecting, and sustaining trees. What started as a small group of Austinites planting trees together has grown into a multifaceted organization tackling climate change regionally.

TreeFolks mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees. For over 37 years, TreeFolks has planted more than 3 million trees, distributed 190,000 trees to local residents, engaged over 50,000 volunteers, and educated both children and adults about planting, protecting

About Harris Energy Solutions, LLC

Harris Energy Solutions, LLC (HES) is proud to sponsor this internship with TreeFolks. HES is a Nationwide Energy Consulting Services firm offering a full suite of consulting services, including Building Energy Modeling, Renewable Energy Consulting, Master Planning, Energy Audit, Building Commissioning and Building Retro-Commissioning. HES prides itself on the work it performs and the services it provides.

Internship Overview

TreeFolks & HES are seeking a motivated and curious Operations & Technology Intern to support a telephone system transition. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in project management, nonprofit operations, vendor evaluation, and technology decision-making. The intern will take full ownership of a defined project from research through recommendation and implementation planning.

This is an ideal position for a self-directed student or recent graduate who enjoys problem-solving, learning new systems, and contributing to meaningful organizational improvements.

The internship will be primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings. The anticipated commitment is 10–12 hours per week, Monday through Thursday, between 9 am and 5 pm. Exact dates are negotiable within a June to August timeframe. The Operations & Technology Intern will report to Ashleigh Lassiter, Deputy Director.

Primary Project: Telephone System Audit & Transition

The intern will lead a comprehensive review of TreeFolks current phone system and recommend a more cost-effective, user-friendly solution.

Responsibilities include:

● Learn and document TreeFolks current phone system and usage patterns (Office@Hand)

● Conduct stakeholder interviews to determine staff needs related to telephone communication

● Evaluate current costs, features, and opportunities for improvement

● Research alternative options (e.g., Google Voice and other solutions)

● Conduct vendor comparisons and cost analysis

● Develop a recommendation and implementation plan

● Present findings and proposal to leadership

● Assist with planning and overseeing the transition to the selected system

The goal of this project is to reduce costs, simplify management, and improve the overall user experience.

Learning Objectives

● Gain hands-on project management experience

● Learn about nonprofit operations and decision-making

● Develop vendor evaluation and cost analysis skills

● Practice stakeholder communication and presentation skills

● Gain exposure to organizational technology systems

● Build experience leading a project from concept to implementation

Qualifications

● Strong organizational and problem-solving skills

● Comfortable with learning new technology and systems

● Strong communication skills (written and verbal)

● Ability to work independently and manage a project

● Curiosity and interest in operations, technology, or nonprofit work

● Basic familiarity with business technology tools

Job Type: Internship (10-12 hours per week)

Pay: $18 per hour

Work Location: Austin, TX area & Virtual

EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, or sex.