Community Forester (NeighborWoods Coordinator)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salary
Employment Status: Exempt
Apply By: May 1, 2024
Start Date: May 16, 2024
Reports to: NeighborWoods Manager
Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday
Salary: $38,000 - $40,000 (Commensurate with Experience)
Benefits: Eligible after 90-Day Probationary Period - PTO, Paid Holidays including your Birthday, Subsidized Medical and Dental insurance, Ancillary Insurance (Vision, Accident, Critical Illness), Professional Development opportunities, 403(b) Retirement Savings with match, and Partial Work apparel
Key Job Categories: Non-Profit, Arboriculture, Forestry, Climate Change Agent, Green Space Equity, Botany, Horticulture, Community Engagement, Project Management, Volunteer Management, Landscape Design
Trees Atlanta is a nonprofit community group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Since its beginnings, Trees Atlanta’s goals have been to plant new trees, conserve existing trees, replace trees lost to development and hazards, and educate the public on the many benefits of trees. Trees Atlanta has become one of the most widely-known and respected non-profits locally, as well as nationally, for their work as stewards of our urban environment. To date, Trees Atlanta has planted and cared for over 150,000 trees in metro Atlanta.
Job Description
The NeighborWoods Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and implementing all aspects of Trees Atlanta’s NeighborWoods program. Started in 2001, the NeighborWoods program brings together volunteers and neighborhood representatives with Trees Atlanta team members to plant and maintain trees throughout Atlanta. Each year, the program plants more than 4,000 trees. The ideal candidate will be passionate about urban forestry, highly self-motivated, eager to work with diverse communities across metro Atlanta, and able to work as well independently as with a team.
The scope of responsibility includes, but is not limited to the following:
Project Planning and Community Outreach
- Present information about the Community Forestry Program called 'NeighborWoods' to community organizations and neighborhood associations.
- Work with community members to plan and implement neighborhood tree plantings, encouraging teamwork, resident buy-in, and community involvement.
- Scout potential tree planting locations using a variety of methods, prioritizing community requests.
- Help fulfill grant and contract requirements.
- Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with community partners and other staff members.
- Liaise with the public as a responsible ambassador to communicate Trees Atlanta’s mission.
- Work with neighborhood associations to address community tree-related needs.
- Assist the NeighborWoods Supervisor to implement residential, private property planting as needed.
Project Management
- Select tree specimens for diversity and suitability and adhere to field-related best practices, prioritizing canopy trees wherever possible.
- Provide detailed planting proposals to NeighborWoods Manager for approval by relevant parties prior to planting.
- Help fulfill grant and contract requirements.
- Coordinate project logistics weekly, including but not limited to ordering trees; updating organization-wide project calendar; determining meeting locations; packing trucks and trailers, and creating materials for volunteers.
- Follow standard NeighborWoods procedures for project planning and implementation.
- Update ArcGIS tree points in a timely manner throughout the planting season.
- Help respond to and address tree maintenance requests as needed.
Volunteer Management
- Lead groups of volunteers on weekday and/or weekend tree planting and maintenance projects.
- Effectively supervise, train, evaluate, and motivate volunteers.
Requirements
- Two years of experience working in a related field or a Bachelor's degree in urban forestry, horticulture, environmental non-profits, landscape architecture, or related field of study (A degree is not required for this position, but having a degree in a relevant field can substitute for experience).
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, positive attitude, and public speaking ability (crucial for interaction with community organizations, volunteers, and staff).
- Knowledgeable in tree identification, shrubs, and other plants.
- Ability and desire to work with diverse communities and individuals.
- Reliable, self-motivated, and possessing of excellent time management skills.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with proven ability to work independently and with a team (able and willing to assist coworkers when needed).
- Demonstrates a basic understanding of safety or risk management when working with children and/or volunteer groups (formal experience managing and coordinating volunteers a plus).
- Equally comfortable working in outdoor field sites and in administrative office settings.
- Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional schedule flexibility to work on an evening.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Working knowledge of ArcGIS and Salesforce a plus.
Physical Requirements
- At least 21 years old with a 3-year clear driving history.
- Ability to drive a truck with a loaded trailer.
- Must pass a pre-employment background screening, drug test, and DOT physical.
- Ability to conduct repetitive, moderate to strenuous physical activity in the field and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions at all times of year.
To Apply
Please complete the employment application and submit it with a resume and cover letter for full consideration.
Background Verification Disclaimer
- All final candidates will be required to pass both a criminal background check and drug screening; adverse results could impact hiring (Trees Atlanta is a participant in the Federal Drug Free Workplace Program).
- Final candidates applying for positions that require driving company owned vehicles will also have to pass a Motor Vehicle Report review to determine eligibility. Eligible drivers must also pass a DOT physical.
- All new hires will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the Unites States of America. Trees Atlanta in compliance with regulation set by the Department of Homeland Security. Trees Atlanta is a registered E-Verify employer.