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Forestry Program Coordinator

Openlands
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The primary role of the Forestry Program Coordinator will be to facilitate the preparation and delivery of the Openlands TreeKeepers course multiple times a year, develop and support strategies to engage newly graduated TreeKeepers, and provide direct field support for existing TreeKeepers and TreeKeeper groups region-wide. Working in tandem with the Community Arborist, this position will also engage residents and partner with the southwest side of Chicago community groups in identified priority areas through speaking opportunities, trainings, workshops, door to door outreach, to increase stewardship of the urban forest and awareness of the benefits a healthy urban canopy provides.
The ideal candidate is an aspiring urban forestry professional, enthusiastic, self-motivated, loves working with and motivating a wide diversity of people, and is dedicated to urban and community forestry. The candidate should be motivated to develop a broad range of urban forestry knowledge and skills; 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, tree equity, and the conservation mission of the organization. Much of this work is performed outside and requires a great deal of public engagement.
This is a full-time, non-exempt position, and requires flexibility with weekend work during planting seasons (April-May & September-November), other occasional weekends and evenings during the year. This position reports to the TreeKeepers Program Manager.

Details and Responsibilities

TreeKeepers Program
  • Aid in coordinating TreeKeeper courses, including securing teaching locations, scheduling instructors, managing registration, attendance and enrollee information, presentation preparation, pre- and post- course surveys, and setup and breakdown of classes
  • Coordinate TreeKeeper tree stewardship events, both in the office and in the field
  • Engage new partners and participants for TreeKeeper courses, continuing education events, and community tree plantings
  • Set up and manage Openlands Forestry volunteer events using CERVIS software
  • Assist in drafting the monthly TreeKeepers newsletter by updating events, researching articles, communicating with other Openlands staff, and drafting informational pieces
  • Update and/or create outreach materials for the TreeKeepers Course and community tree plantings
  • Follow up with and maintain up to date information of volunteers
  • Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices

Priority Area Engagement
  • Coordinate workdays and events; prepare, track, and report all necessary event information for Openlands use and partner organizations
  • Assist with translation of Openlands educational materials, press releases, and fliers for Openlands Forestry programs and participate in public relations events
  • Respond to citizen inquiries and maintain working relationships with community groups. Meet with community groups and partner organizations
  • Develop presentations and interactive workshops

General Duties
  • Drive vehicles and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties
  • Use public speaking skills to present programs to coworkers, partner organizations, and the public
  • Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements and Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Volunteer management experience
  • Read, write, and converse fluently in the Spanish language
  • Familiarity working in Southwest Chicago community areas
  • Fieldwork experience with at least one year planting and caring for trees
  • Current ISA arborist certification or strong desire to obtain ISA arborist certification when qualified
  • Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species and associated pests, diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees
  • Computer literacy including ability to use programs such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds occasionally and ability to stand, crouch, and perform various types of manual labor; willing and able 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, persistence, and a positive attitude

Openlands is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Openlands does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Openlands is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

To Apply: This position is open until filled. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter explaining why your skills and experience would complement this position to JobApps@openlands.org. Please include “Forestry Program Coordinator” in the subject line.