College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

APPLICATIONS DUE: Noon, January 29, 2024

POSITION: Urban and Community Forester

JOB TYPE: Full Time

LOCATION: Detroit, MI USA

START DATE: February 2024

To Apply: Submit 1-2 page resume and cover on Indeed.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience (includes + health, vision, dental, life insurance

Position Summary

We are looking for a Community Forester who combines region-appropriate urban forestry best practices with a proactive, professional leadership style to lead and manage community tree planting and maintenance operations at The Greening of Detroit.

Role and Responsibilities

The Community Forester specifies and procures tree and plant material, creates work plans for Assistant Community Forester, manages seasonal crews to plant and maintain trees in the public right of way (streets, parks, etc.), schools, and community open space. The success of our work comes from engaging Detroiters of all ages, education, income, and abilities, with special focus on youth, long-time residents, and the formerly incarcerated.

As a successful candidate, you are a proactive, highly motivated, effective communicator, skilled in crew management, with a positive attitude. You prepare your team for the work ahead, from logistics planning, equipment lists, necessary training, with safety as a top priority. You like initiating conversations and are comfortable managing volunteer groups. Your knowledge of Detroit neighborhoods, community groups, and organizations complements your genuine appreciation for the environment and improving quality of life with and for Detroit residents.

Working hand in hand with the Green Infrastructure Director and Community Forestry team, you will help create and lead a fresh, positive, culture of climate resilience and stewardship at The Greening of Detroit.

Additional qualifications

• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office, spreadsheets
• GIS experience
• Ability to build positive and meaningful relationships with diverse populations

Work Environment

During the planting season, the Community Forester should expect to spend 70% in the field and 30% at The Greening of Detroit’s office, with regular Saturdays. 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 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%)
• Managing The Greening of Detroit tree plantings, from consultation with community and city partners, to planning and implementing planting and maintenance day logistics.
• Tree Planning, Site Plans, Public Engagement (30%)
• Employing urban and community forestry best practices to shape and rebuild a resilient urban canopy, while collaborating directly with city and community partners.
• Skilled project implementation, using industry standards for tree installation.
• Successfully recognizing the tree history of our service area, building on the toolbox of messaging tailored to resident tree needs, and providing accessible information for resident decision making and long term community stewardship.
• Administration (30%)
• Keep detailed records of plantings and locations to track reforestation progress, grant reporting, and future program analysis.
• Manage program expenses and stay within budget.

Additional tasks, as directed by the Director of Green Infrastructure.

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 the reforestation of Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.