URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY TECHNICIAN 

The Urban and Community Forestry Technician performs urban forestry field work for the Right Tree, Right Place (RTRP) Program. The program replaces high risk street trees and increases the urban tree canopy in Prince George’s County. The technician supports the Urban and Community Forestry Manager who leads the RTRP work and provides oversight and coordination with County staff within the Department of Public Works and Transportation.

This is a full time, salaried position. NDC offers a competitive salary and benefits package including paid time off, health, dental and vision insurance, professional development support, and a retirement plan. The Urban and Community Forestry Technician reports to the Environmental Resilience and Landscape Design Programs Director, works a flexible 40 hour work week, and will be required to work some evenings and weekends.

Start date: January 2024 (if desired by candidate, an earlier start date is possible)

Compensation: $50,000-55,000, depending on experience

Application deadline: Reviews begin November 6, 2023; open until filled

Apply here

 

YOUR ROLE

The Forestry Technician works with the Right Tree, Right Place Manager to execute the delivery of the RTRP program and its activities, including data collection and analysis, field work, record keeping, community presentations and other duties as needed. This position requires flexibility, excellent attention to detail, and superior communication skills. You must be able to perform field work throughout Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Urban and Community Forestry (85%)

  • Identify common native and non-native tree species
  • Evaluate and record right of way planting sites in neighborhoods, streetscapes, and other public spaces
  • Mark sites for planting, removal, and maintenance
  • Perform detailed data entry in field using GIS tools such as Survey123 
  • Perform detailed data entry in the office using Excel, Word, and ArcGIS products
  • Conduct field work including standing and walking for extended periods in all types of weather, 12 months of the year.
  • Maintain and carry up to 12 lbs of equipment

Community Engagement (5%)

  • Create and update presentations for community meetings
  • Meet with community representatives alongside the RTRP Manager
  • Conduct tree planting workshops alongside the RTRP Manager

Organizational & Team Support (10%)

  • Assist with other Landscape Design and Environmental Resilience projects such as planting events, data collection, and tree research. 
  • Assist with occasional administrative tasks, fundraising events, and special events as needed
  • Participate in regular staff meetings to ensure effective and efficient cross-program delivery
  • Keep NDC vehicle in travel-ready condition – maintain fuel levels, weekly cleanliness 

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

The position requires a balance of interpersonal skills, technical proficiency, and physical endurance. Specific qualifications needed for the position are:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture or similar field (may substitute relevant experience)
  • Experience identifying common tree species and conditions
  • ISA-certified arborist, or completion within first 6 months desired
  • Communicate clearly in English, with proficiency in Spanish a plus
  • Have a driver’s license with clean driving record
  • Experience working outdoors 
  • Technical computer skills, including expertise with MS Office, Google Suite, and basic knowledge of ArcGIS 
  • Strong personal and professional commitment to environmental and social justice

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

Resume: Include relevant experience and three professional references

Cover letter: Please outline your qualifications and experience for this position. In your cover letter please also share a brief statement of how your work or experiences relate to NDC’s mission and values, and outline your experience with environmental and social justice issues.

If selected for interviews, you may be required to complete a tree identification assessment. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All NDC programs require staff to work occasional evening and weekend hours; this position will require regular evening hours. As this is a small nonprofit work environment, tasks are varied. A flexible mindset and willingness to ‘pitch in’ are highly valued. The Neighborhood Design Center is a team-oriented, creative work environment. 

This position requires frequent field work, involving extensive walking to mark planting sites and record data. Fieldwork occurs 12 months/year in most weather, and may include lifting up to 15 lbs. 

NDC provides a vehicle for staff use, which is primarily but not solely for the RTRP program use. If the NDC vehicle is temporarily not available, the employee is expected to utilize their own transportation. Personal vehicle travel for program services is compensated at the standard federal business mileage rate.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NDC is an equal opportunity employer. Black people, indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. We believe that having a board, staff, and membership with diverse identities and backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates a creative and vibrant environment where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive. To that end, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture where all employees are equally included, valued, and supported.