Urban Forestry Coordinator

OBJECTIVE: Implement and report on a community- based bare-root street tree planting program serving area municipalities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• AS or BS in arboriculture, plant science, forestry, urban forestry, or a related field and a minimum of two years relevant experience to include project management.
• In-depth knowledge of ideal street tree varieties, factors influencing their mortality and longevity, as well as the horticultural and societal efforts required to maintain a healthy urban forest.
• An ability to make technical arboricultural information accessible, applicable, and enjoyable for the general public, as well as communicating effectively with experts and public officials.
• Excellent project management and communication abilities. Work effectively, both independently and with a team.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, collaborate and communicate with diverse audiences.
• Experience engaging volunteers and youth.
• Must have a high energy level, and possess a genuine interest in Capital Roots’ mission.
• Candidates must be comfortable working outside in all weather, and be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive and a driving record acceptable for insurance coverage.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Conduct community based tree planting programs in area cities to include selection and siting of appropriate species and connection of individuals with trees in their neighborhoods.
• Perform site analysis that include assessment, photos, field measuring of existing site conditions.
• Perform pruning, trimming, mulching, fertilization and other tree and plant related maintenance activities in public areas and around Capital Roots properties.
• Collaborate with government and private partners to access and use additional resources including labor and in-kind services.
• Conduct tree surveys, tree assessments, data collection and GIS Mapping activities.
• Order and receive trees, materials and supplies
• Engage and train youth and adults in basic pruning and arboriculture in association with our existing youth development and community gardening programs
• Perform general administrative tasks and maintain regular reporting and data collection efforts including those associated with programmatic outputs, financial information, grant deliverables and other requirements as needed
• Conduct and attend public events that inform and engage stakeholders and community members around urban forestry
• Work with Urban Forestry Manager and Chief Program Officer of Community Development to help achieve the organization’s mission and strengthen programming.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by Manager and Chief Program Officer.
• Participate in Capital Roots’ events, staff meetings, and all other duties as needed.

USEFUL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS:

• Positive Youth Development, conflict resolution and community organizing
• Environmental education, train the trainer
• Horticulture, garden tool and outdoor equipment knowledge
• General construction, carpentry, overall ‘handiness’ and comfort with power tools
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common messaging applications

About Capital Roots: Capital Roots is striving to create a more vibrant and equitable food system in New York’s Capital Region. We work to reduce the impact of poor nutrition on public health in New York’s Capital Region by organizing community gardens, providing healthy food access, offering nutritional and horticultural education for all ages and coordinating urban greening programs in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and southern Saratoga Counties.  Our mission is to cultivate and nourish communities by creating equitable access to fresh foods and green space in support of a robust regional food system. To learn more go to www.capitalroots.org.

Capital Roots is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to creating a multicultural organization. We actively seek a diverse pool of candidates for this position, especially candidates of color. We seek to foster diversity across our organization and welcome the unique contributions our team members make based on their diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences.