Community Forestry Technician

TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization that mobilizes individuals, families, communities, philanthropists, and public agencies to work together to create green, resilient communities by providing education on the benefits of planting trees, capturing rainwater, greening schools, and providing fun environmental educational activities. TreePeople unites with communities to grow a greener, shadier and more water-secure region at homes, neighborhoods, schools and in the local mountains.

TreePeople is seeking individuals interested in community forestry to join our team as a Community Forestry Technician. This position plays a critical role in the on-the-ground implementation of TreePeople’s urban forestry projects, conducting tree planting, tree maintenance, and data collection throughout Los Angeles and Inland Empire communities. The Community Forestry Technician works as part of a field crew to safely and efficiently install and care for trees in parkways, parks, schools, and other public spaces, supporting long-term canopy establishment and climate resilience efforts.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute tree planting operations, ensuring proper installation of 15-gallon street and park trees to ISA & ANSI standards.
• Conduct regular tree maintenance, including watering, mulching, staking, pruning, and health monitoring.
• Transport and deliver trees, tools, and supplies to work sites using fleet vehicles and trailers in compliance with safety protocols.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles in excellent condition, performing routine checks and minor repairs as needed.
• Complete detailed tree assessments and report any health or safety concerns promptly.
• Utilize and maintain tree data through TreePeople’s web-based inventory.
• Participate and represent TreePeople at meetings and community events as needed.
• Use of mechanized equipment such as augers, gas stake pounders, weed whackers, chainsaws, and generators.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong work ethic with the ability to perform consistent, physically demanding outdoor work in diverse urban environments.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to follow technical planting and maintenance specifications precisely.
• Experience working in landscaping, tree care, construction, environmental field work, or similar hands-on outdoor settings preferred.
• Proficiency and comfort using hand tools and mechanized equipment safely and responsibly.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a crew, communicate clearly, and maintain a professional demeanor in public-facing environments.
• Experience driving fleet vehicles and towing trailers in urban settings preferred.
• A valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record required to perform essential job functions.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Interest in urban forestry, climate resilience, and long-term stewardship of trees in Southern California.
• Willingness to learn industry best practices and pursue professional development in arboriculture (e.g., safety certifications, equipment operation, ISA credential pathway).
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends.
• Current residency in Los Angeles County or Inland Empire preferred.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Work demands physical energy, twisting, safe heavy lifting ability, and hand-to-eye coordination.
• Uses machines, equipment, and work tools including but not limited to shovels, breaker bars, rakes, brooms, general hand tools, lift gates, water tanks, blowers, augers.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds overhead.
• Must be able to load and unload 15-gallon trees from a stakebed truck.
• Ability to plant and care for trees up to 8 hours a day.
• Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, i.e., rain, heat, sun, cold.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.