Urban Forestry Specialist

About Great River Greening

Great River Greening (GRG) is Minnesota’s leading environmental restoration nonprofit with a mission to inspire, engage, and lead local communities in conserving and caring for the land and water that enrich our lives. Our services extend throughout Minnesota in partnership with local communities, governmental agencies, conservation and agricultural organizations, individuals, and businesses. We offer flexibility, a friendly work culture, supportive Board of Directors, hybrid work options, and opportunities to grow. 

Great River Greening values Science, Community, Partnership, Education, and Environmental Justice. Great River Greening is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all backgrounds, including women, candidates of color, LGBTQ+, or candidates with non‐traditional work or experience backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Urban Forestry Program
Great River Greening aims to expand tree canopies, empower communities, and increase equitable access to green spaces across Minnesota. As the recent recipient of a 5-year $10 million grant from the USDA Forest Service for the Cooling Minnesota Communities (CMC) project, we will increase equitable access to the urban tree canopy by planting, distributing, and maintaining trees on city property, school campuses, public housing, community sites, regional parks, and residential homes across communities identified as in-need of tree canopy improvement via the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.

Position Description
The Urban Forestry Specialist will play a key role in implementing the CMC project. As an expert in urban forestry practices, this position will oversee tree planting, maintenance, and monitoring activities; insuring trees are planted in suitable locations, receive proper care, and are chosen with proper species selection in mind. It will require working with multiple municipal partners and community stakeholders in the assessment, planting, and ongoing stewardship of these living assets. This position will entail a balance of field and office work. While many backgrounds are possible, we would prefer someone who has experience in sustainable forest resource management, arboriculture, and/or urban ecology.

This is an exempt, full-time position with benefits including health, dental, 401k, LTD, Dependent Care, Health Care FSA, life insurance, and a PTO plan. The salary range for this role is $60,000 – $70,000 annually. Great River Greening offers a flexible workplace and staff are currently working hybrid-remotely.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Cooling Minnesota Communities Project Implementation and Management (80%)

• Identify and select tree species that are well-suited to urban environments, considering factors such as soil conditions, space availability, and climate resilience. Ensure that selected species contribute to the cooling effect and biodiversity of urban areas.
• Coordinate and oversee tree planting activities, including site preparation, tree installation, and post-planting care. Ensure that trees are planted according to best practices and that they have the necessary support systems for healthy growth.
• Develop and implement plans for the ongoing maintenance of planted trees. Monitor tree health and address any issues that may arise to ensure long-term survival growth.
• Collaborate with CMC Program Manager and Community Outreach team to engage partners in tree planting and maintenance activities. Provide guidance and support to volunteers and community groups involved in the project.
• Establish monitoring protocols to track the growth and survival of planted trees, as all as their impact on the urban heat island effect. Collect data and prepare regular reports on project progress and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partners to leverage resources and expand the impact of the project.

Other Project Guidance (20%)

• Participate within the Conservation Team to organize, implement, and evaluate strategic goals.
• Support other Great River Greening projects by conducting site surveys, developing forest management plans, and implementing conservation practices to enhance forest health and biodiversity.
• Provide leadership in urban and community forestry training and education for internal staff and external partners and community members.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Forestry Science/Management, or a closely related field of academic study or a related field and 5 years of related work experience. Extensive field knowledge and experience can be substituted for formal education.
• Possess or ability to obtain the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification within 3 months of start date.
• Knowledge of urban forestry and/or arboriculture and its application in community settings including forest health, environmental justice, canopy and community resource assessment, wood waste management, urban wood utilization, geospatial analysis, community forest benefits analysis, and community forest implications on carbon sequestration and storm water management.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for engaging the community in conservation.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Computer experience with Microsoft office suite, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online and internet utilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Minnesota conservation organizations and government agencies.
• Familiarity with ISA tree hazard assessment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing conservation projects with landowners or other partners, delivering high quality results on time and within budget.
• Experience with data management systems.
• Experience as an educator or presenter.
• Moderate plant identification for invasive and native species of Minnesota.