Forestry Program Coordinator - Chicago, United States - Openlands

Description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Join the Openlands Forestry Team as a Forestry Program Coordinator. This position will facilitate the TreeKeepers courses, coordinate, and support TreeKeeper stewardship and planting workdays, and assist TreeKeeper Chapters.

This position is involved in the strategic delivery, development, and support of one of our region's most amazing community forestry assets, the TreeKeepers network.

This position will also support and assist with the delivery of other Openlands Forestry Programs such as the TreePlanters Grant and Arborist Registered Apprenticeship.

We are looking for an aspiring urban forestry professional who loves working with a wide diversity of people. Showcase your urban forestry skills and enthusiasm by joining our team

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.

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.

The primary role of the Forestry Program Coordinator is to support the TreeKeepers network, facilitate the delivery of Openlands TreeKeepers Course, support programming and events, assist TreeKeepers and TreeKeeper Chapters in their work and develop a burgeoning Spanish speaking contingent of Openlands Forestry programming.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position, and requires flexibility with occasional weekends and evenings during the year. This position reports to the TreeKeepers Program Specialist.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate the Openlands TreeKeeper Courses by assisting with registration and course payments, coordinate and schedule instructors, plan classroom logistics, outside fieldwork components, classroom, and field-based skills testing
• Ensure the delivery of the TreeKeepers program is up to Openlands standards
• Assist in refining, developing, and innovating existing and future TreeKeeper Course curriculum and delivery methods
• Assist established TreeKeepers Chapters to identify annual goals and priorities, organize and support TreeKeeper Chapter initiatives, workdays events, and meetings.
• Facilitate general TreeKeeper workdays- coordinate tools, landscape materials, event registration, event communication, necessary permits, and post event reporting
• Connect existing TreeKeepers to other Openlands Forestry opportunities
• Teach and oversee workshops, trainings, fieldwork, or other public engagement activities to the TreeKeeper and general audience related to urban forestry
• Ensure volunteer and event tracking databases and up to date and accurate
• Collaborate and develop new relationships with partner organizations
• Assist in the delivery of other Openlands Community Forestry programs, including the TreePlanters Grant and Arborist Registered Apprenticeship
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree a plus.
• Fieldwork experience managing volunteers, events, and projects
• Read, write, and converse fluently in the Spanish language highly desired
• Strong attention to detail
• Current Openlands TreeKeeper or strong desire to become a TreeKeeper
• Current ISA arborist certification a plus; ISA arborist certification within 3 years of employment, or when eligible, required
• Knowledge of basic best management practices of urban trees
• Ability to identify common 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 energy, motivation, creativity, and a positive attitude

For full consideration, cover letter and resume are required.

Salary Description

$45,000-$47,000