Assistant Urban Forester - Greening of Detroit

Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Detroit, MI
Application Due Date: August 31, 2023

Role and Responsibilities

The Assistant Urban Forester specifies and procures tree and plant material, manages crews to plant and maintain trees in the public right of way (streets, parks, etc.).

As a successful candidate, you are a proactive, highly motivated, team leader skilled in crew management, with a positive attitude and great communication skills (e.g. face to face, phone, email). You prepare your team for the work ahead, from logistics planning, equipment lists, necessary training, with safety as a top priority. Candidate should be proficient in tree identification, planting, and best management practices.

Working hand in hand with the crews, you will be helping to bolster Detroit’s tree canopy one tree at a time.

Additional qualifications:

∙ Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office, spreadsheets.

∙ GIS experience

Work Environment

During the planting season, the Assistant Urban Forester should expect to spend 75% in the field and 25% at The Greening of Detroit’s office. Regularly supervises and participates in field work in all weather conditions. Must have ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds and demonstrated experience in truck and trailer operations.

Required Education, Experience, Skills

The ideal candidate for this position will hold a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science or closely related field, and minimum 2 years work experience in an urban forestry role. Or, 4 years related work experience. ISA Arborist certification or ability to obtain within 9 months

All candidates must have a valid Driver’s license and be able to obtain a valid Chauffeurs’ License within 10 days of starting their first day of work. Candidates must also have the knowledge or willingness how to safely operate a skid steer, chainsaw, brush hog and other landscape equipment.

Work Tasks

∙ Planting Logistics, Crew and Vehicle Management (40%)

o Managing tree plantings. Everything from communication with partners, planning, implementing a tree planting, and maintenance logistics.

∙ Tree Planning, Site Plans, Public Engagement (40%)

o Employing urban and community forestry best practices to shape and rebuild a resilient the urban canopy, while collaborating directly with city and community partners.

o Skilled project implementation, using industry standards for tree installation.

∙ Administration (20%)

o Keep detailed records of plantings and locations to track reforestation progress, grant reporting, and future program analysis.

o Manage program expenses and stay within budget.

Additional tasks, as directed by the Director.

Organizational Description

The Greening of Detroit is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working with residents, block clubs, community development corporations, schools, faith-based organizations and businesses to grow a greener Detroit. Our mission is to support a healthy urban community through trees, healthy green spaces, environmental education, workforce development, and building community capacity. Since 1989, we have worked to reforest the City of Detroit. Today, we plant and distribute approximately 2,500 trees annually, using a community forestry model that engages residents and volunteers to support rebuilding the urban tree canopy of Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $42,000.00 per year

Benefits: