Urban and Community Forester - Mass Audubon : Job Details

About Mass Audubon Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org. About This PositionThe Urban and Community Forester will be responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating tree planting and care practices associated with the Boston Tree Alliance (BTA) program. The BTA program provides grants to nonprofit and community-based organizations to plant and care for trees on privately-owned land in the City of Boston. Mass Audubon serves as the Alliance convener and fiscal agent for the distribution of grant funds, as well as the technical lead on tree planting and care practices, education, and monitoring. The Urban and Community Forester will be part of Mass Audubon's Nature in the City team working closely with the Boston Community Engagement Coordinator to build a coalition of organizations working collectively to equitably grow and care for Boston's urban forest. Application InstructionsPlease submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application. Only applications with these materials will be reviewed.Responsibilities

• Design and conduct training sessions for Boston Tree Alliance organizations and others on tree planting and maintenance best practices.
• Develop technical urban forestry content for educational materials for multiple audiences including residents, landowners, renters, institutions, and others.
• Guide discussions on key urban forestry topics for the Boston Tree Alliance Tree Group meetings. Build and maintain connections with other urban forestry professionals through professional groups and coalitions related to urban forestry.
• Support the development and management of GIS databases and applications. Perform relevant data entry and analysis.
• Participate in evaluation of funding proposals for tree planting projects and conducting site visits to advise on tree locations on private property (e.g., implement Right tree, right place framework).
• Serve as the urban forestry liaison with the City of Boston's Environment Department, Urban Forestry Division, Parks and Recreation Department, and Green Infrastructure Department.
• Resolve BTA program-wide issues, such as sourcing trees, prioritizing planting locations, and coordinating planting efforts with other City programs. Pursue creative solutions to urban tree planting challenges, such as de-paving, site preparation, soil conditions, water management, and urban heat mitigation.
• Develop evaluation methodology and report on Boston Tree Alliance program projects, including planting success and survival, tree species diversity and selection, neighborhood demographics, and more.
• Contribute to long-term planning efforts for the sustainability of the Boston Tree Alliance beyond current funding horizon.

QualificationsAt Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:Must Haves

• 5+ years of experience with AS or BS in arboriculture, plant science, forestry, urban forestry, or a related field
• International Society of Arboriculture or Massachusetts Certified Arborist certification, knowledge of latest relevant ANSI standards and ISA Best Management Practices or equivalent
• Experience with management/analysis of data in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Survey123
• Experience in managing community-led tree planting programs
• Experience designing educational programs and training people in tree siting, planting, and maintenance
• Experience with evaluation and metrics development to measure success of tree planting programs
• Ability to work with people with varied knowledge of tree planting and care, climate resilience concepts, and lived experiences

Nice to Haves

• Established network and relationships with local officials, community-based organizations, neighborhood leaders in the City of Boston
• Proficiency in a language other than English

Compensation, Benefits and PerksThis position's pay range is $70,000-$76,000 per year; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).Work ScheduleFull time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday.Other RequirementsEmployees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.Mass Audubon's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.Mass Audubon's mission is to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementMass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.