Tree Corps Field Director

Tree Crops Field Director

Earth Conservation Corps is a nonprofit youth development and environmental service organization. The Earth Conservation Corps provides hands-on environmental education, job training and community service programs for people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, with an emphasis on serving opportunity youth.  

Earth Conservation Corps seeks a highly-motivated individual to join the Earth Conservation Corps in the contract position of Tree Corps Field Director. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about mentoring young people through meaningful service, leading urban youth, working with young people ages 17-24, expertise in forestry, natural resources management, and/or related environmental fields.

Position Description  

Reports to: President/CEO and Program Manager

The Tree Corps Field Director is responsible for the oversight and continuous development of Earth Conservation Corps youth, leading youth who volunteer for Earth Conservation Corps service programs. Youth volunteers consist of but are not limited to AmeriCorps youth, Capital Guardian cadets, and Job Corps volunteers. The service/projects that you will be leading youth through will include conservation and environmental education-based programs as well as workforce development and training. Many of these projects will take place outdoors and incorporate forestry-related tasks such as invasive species removal, biodiversity monitoring, and tree health assessments.

The Tree Corps Field Director must enjoy working with a diverse population of youth from varying backgrounds. They are responsible for working with the Program Manager to oversee each youth participant’s personal and professional goals, ensuring these goals are incorporated into daily activities and longer-term development plans.

The Tree Corps Field Director’s main responsibility is to model a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and work ethic and ensure that the youth engaged in the program have the appropriate supervision and safety protocols in place to ensure a positive, safe and meaningful youth training service experience. The Tree Corps Field Director will be on site with the youth at one of the Earth Conservation Corps’ campus sites or in a field location working alongside the young people on the current project or program assigned. The Tree Corps Field Director is responsible for the pick up and drop off of AmeriCorps members using the company vehicle, gas will be compensated.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide hands on/direct supervision of the daily activities.
• Support youth in urban forestry training activities, including tree identification, planting, and care.
• Responsible for the pick up and drop off of members from service site to service site using the organization’s vehicle.
• Guide participants through interdisciplinary topics, including an introduction to carpentry
• To mentor, coach and attempt to redirect behavior when needed.
• Assist Project Supervisors with field set-up including all necessary tools/supplies for the project at hand.
• Ensure that the youth understand all safety procedures for each task assigned through daily safety overviews to the group.
• Promote and model team spirit.
• Provide onsite supervision and management of the youth engaging in service.
• To take the lead on communications to the youth to ensure everyone is clear about any unexpected changes or work plan adjustments.
• Work with the AmeriCorps Program Manager to ensure that all youth are tracking their time.
• Provide information and narrative content for accurate program reports, grant reporting, applications, and related data.
• Participate in any training required by funders, such as AmeriCorps training modules.
• Other duties as necessary to further the Earth Conservation Corps mission.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)  

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive.
• Strong communications skills.
• Experience working with youth ages 14-24.
• Experience working in diverse settings (public schools, urban communities, under-resourced communities, etc.) with diverse populations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks patiently and professionally.
• Exhibit professional standards of presentation, punctuality, professional courtesy, and discretion.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Supporting and acting in accordance with Earth Conservation Corps’ mission.

Schedule

Monday – Friday: 8:30am-5:30pm potential for weekend work schedule

Willingness to work some weekends for scheduled service events 

Location 

Wings Campus in Laurel, MD

Monique Johnson Anacostia River Center in Washington, DC 

Matthew Henson Center in Washington, DC 

Status: Up to 40 hrs/week on average*.