Forestry Program Coordinator (Tree Planting) - Openlands : Job Details

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 projects
• Lead plantings, workdays, and events; prepare, track, and report all necessary event information
• Coordinate tree stewardship events, both in the office and in the field.
• Implement data collection operations on plantings, tree care, inventories, and surveys
• Ensure the delivery of the tree planting projects are up to Openlands standards
• Assist in refining, developing, and innovating existing and future community engagement and tree planting initiatives
• Assist with TreeKeeper Courses and workdays- coordinate tools, landscape materials, event registration, event communication, necessary permits, and post event reporting
• Connect community members and partners to other Openlands Forestry opportunities
• Teach and oversee workshops, trainings, fieldwork, or other public engagement activities to the TreeKeeper network and general audience related to urban forestry
• Ensure volunteer and event tracking databases and up to date and accurate
• Drive vehicles and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.
• Other duties as assigned

• Associates Degree required. Bachelor's degree or higher preferred
• Fieldwork experience managing volunteers, events, and projects in urban greening initiatives
• Read, write, and converse fluently in the Spanish language highly desired
• Strong attention to detail
• Current ISA arborist certification or strong desire to obtain ISA arborist certification
• Knowledge of basic best management practices of urban forestry and experience planting and maintaining young trees
• Ability to identify common urban tree species and associated pests and diseases
• Computer literacy including ability to use databases, Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and others as needed
• Ability to lift 50 pounds occasionally and ability to stand, crouch, and perform various types of manual labor; willingness to work outdoors all year round
• Valid Illinois Driver's License and reliable transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment
• Must be punctual and reliable. Position requires a high level of drive, energy, motivation, creativity, and a positive attitude