Tree Planting Supervisor – Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service

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**The location above states vacancy is in Anne Arundel County. Please note, since the nature of the work is statewide, the work location is to be determined. Please indicate on your application all counties where you are willing to accept employment.**

This position supervises up to five (5) Tree Planting Specialists and multiple contractors, and coordinates an urban- or rural-focused section for the complex implementation of the 5 Million Trees Program established by the Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021. It provides outreach and technical support to plan, plant, maintain, and manage trees in urban and rural areas, delivering affordable trees on public and private lands to expand tree canopy and improve human health. Tasks include developing and delivering outreach, coordinating legal and logistic needs for securing landowner commitments, interacting with multiple agencies and partners on planning and managing projects, procuring goods and services, coordinating contractors, volunteers, and partners for events and projects, assessing tree survival, organizing tree protection, maintenance, and management needs, and tracking tree planting outcomes. It guides program adaptation to improve efficiency and effectiveness, including for tree seed collection, targeting, tracking, and reporting and assures that program and reporting deadlines are met. This position contributes directly to the Maryland Forest Service’s mission to restore, manage, and protect Maryland’s trees, forests, and forested ecosystems to sustain our natural resources and connect people to the land.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Maryland Forest Service, is currently accepting applications for two Tree Planting Supervisors to implement the 5 Million Trees Initiative, a 9-year program established by the 2021 Tree Solutions Now Act. Positions will supervise up to five (5) Tree Planting Specialists and planting or landscaping contractors installing planting projects and performing maintenance on tree plantings, coordinating work-planning and grant budgeting. Positions will also perform field work similar to Tree Planting Specialists: reach out to and engage with community groups and landowners to expand interest in tree planting, plan and conduct tree plantings, and support continued care and management of trees and forests. Supervision and work may include tree seed collection with volunteers or staff. Projects will be on public and private land, and cover urban and rural settings. Particular focus will be on urban, underserved areas most in need of trees for human health and environmental benefits. The positions will be part of the 5 Million Trees Team, supervised through either the Urban/Community Forestry or Stewardship Programs, and will work in field offices with regional forestry staff.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Three years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to two years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included the regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Candidates not using the Bachelor’s Degree substitution must have experience with tree planting, paid or volunteer and one year of experience supervising or leading other employees.

• Experience with working with forestry and/or urban forestry field work, particularly tree identification
• Experience with working with nonprofits and local government and/or tree planting programs including managing volunteers
• Experience with databases, spreadsheets, and GIS systems
• Knowledge of non-native invasive species and control techniques
• Experience with outreach, marketing, or graphics

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.