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Openlands

Forestry Program Coordinator (Tree Planting)

Openlands, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Job Type

Full-time

Description

The primary role of the Forestry Program Coordinator is to facilitate the delivery of Openlands community forestry and tree planting initiatives, support programming and events, assist TreeKeepers and TreeKeeper Chapters in their work and support a burgeoning Spanish speaking contingent of Openlands Forestry programming.

The ideal candidate is an aspiring urban forestry professional, enthusiastic, self-motivated and loves working with a wide diversity of people. The candidate should possess excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and teaching; be able to oversee numerous, diverse projects simultaneously; and have a genuine interest in addressing climate change and tree equity. This work is performed in varied indoor, outdoor, and virtual settings. Candidates should feel comfortable speaking about urban forestry, its benefits and its practical application to both professionals and newcomers. Candidates should be confident in demonstrating and overseeing basic tree care activities such as tree identification/inventory, pruning, planting, and mulching.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position, and requires flexibility with weekends and evenings during the year. This position reports to the Community Arborist.

THIS POSITION IS NOT BUDGETED TO BEGIN UNTIL JANUARY 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate community tree grants and other tree plantings. Conduct community meetings, informational sessions, and site visits for planting groups to explain planting process, property owner responsibilities, and technical advice about proper tree selection and tree planting process.Facilitate tree species selection, contractors, file permits, and material orders for tree planting projectsLead plantings, workdays, and events; prepare, track, and report all necessary event informationCoordinate tree stewardship events, both in the office and in the field.Implement data collection operations on plantings, tree care, inventories, and surveysEnsure the delivery of the tree planting projects are up to Openlands standardsAssist in refining, developing, and innovating existing and future community engagement and tree planting initiativesAssist with TreeKeeper Courses and workdays- coordinate tools, landscape materials, event registration, event communication, necessary permits, and post event reportingConnect community members and partners to other Openlands Forestry opportunitiesTeach and oversee workshops, trainings, fieldwork, or other public engagement activities to the TreeKeeper network and general audience related to urban forestryEnsure volunteer and event tracking databases and up to date and accurateDrive vehicles and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.Other duties as assignedRequirements

Associates Degree required. Bachelor's degree or higher preferredFieldwork experience managing volunteers, events, and projects in urban greening initiativesRead, write, and converse fluently in the Spanish language highly desiredStrong attention to detailCurrent ISA arborist certification or strong desire to obtain ISA arborist certificationKnowledge of basic best management practices of urban forestry and experience planting and maintaining young treesAbility to identify common urban tree species and associated pests and diseasesComputer literacy including ability to use databases, Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and others as neededAbility to lift 50 pounds occasionally and ability to stand, crouch, and perform various types of manual labor; willingness to work outdoors all year roundValid Illinois Driver's License and reliable transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employmentMust be punctual and reliable. Position requires a high level of drive, energy, motivation, creativity, and a positive attitude

Salary: $47,000-50,000 Annually

Salary Description

$47,000-50,000 Annually