Assistant Urban and Community Forester

Department: Green Infrastructure

Reports to: Urban and Community (UC) Forester

Annual Salary Range: $42,000-$48,000

The Greening of Detroit is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working with residents, block clubs, community development corporations, schools, faith-based organizations and businesses to grow A Greener Detroit through planting and educational programs, workforce development, environmental leadership, advocacy and by building community capacity. Since 1989, we have worked to reforest the City of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park by planting over 166,000 trees while working closely with the City of Detroit and in 2024 we celebrated our thirty-fifth year of community service.

Position Description:

The Greening of Detroit is seeking an Assistant Urban and Community Forester (Assistant UC Forester) who combines region-appropriate urban forestry best practices with proactive and professional leadership. This position leads and manages community tree planting and maintenance operations representing the organization’s Green Infrastructure Department.

Essential Position Responsibilities:

• Manage seasonal crews to plant and maintain trees in the public right of way (streets, parks, etc.), schools, and community open spaces. Expect to engage and guide Detroiters of all ages, education, income and abilities, with special focus on youth, long-time residents and the formerly incarcerated.

• Exhibit highly motivated team leader skills in crew management, with a proactive and positive attitude that includes great communication skills (e.g. face to face, phone, email).

• Prepare your team for the work ahead, focusing on logistics planning, equipment lists and necessary training with safety as a top priority.

• Possess the ability to initiate conversations and are comfortable managing volunteer groups. Your knowledge of Detroit neighborhoods, community groups and organizations complements your genuine appreciation for theenvironment and improving the quality of life with and for Detroit residents.

• Work hand in hand with the Green Infrastructure Director and Community Forestry team to create a fresh and positive culture of climate resilience and stewardship at The Greening of Detroit.

• Attends meetings as required or requested.

• Completes other duties and projects as assigned, directed, or as requested to facilitate The Greening of Detroit’s mission and organizational presence.Page 2 of 2

Required Qualifications for Successful Position Performance:

• Possess a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, management and best practices. Also enjoys working with the public and comfortable working with diverse populations. Excels at including, integrating and respecting people from all backgrounds and cultures; specifically, accepting and valuing differences between people.

Education and Experience:

The ideal candidate for this position holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science or a closely related field, plus a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in an urban forestry role. Or, applicants with four (4) years of related work experience may be considered with an ISA certification, or the ability to obtain the ISA certification within nine (9) months of the start of employment.

All candidates must have a valid Driver’s license and be able to obtain a valid Chauffeur’s License within 10 days of starting their first day of employment. Candidates must also have the knowledge or willingness to learn how to safely operate a skid steer, chainsaw, brush hog and other landscape equipment. Preferred experience:

• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

• GIS experience.

Compensation, Benefits and Perks:

The Greening of Detroit offers health (medical, dental and vision) insurance coverage with employee premium sharing. The Greening of Detroit provides paid holidays, paid sick days and paid bereavement days. Additional perks are personal paid days off and paid time off during the end of the year holiday shut down, dates to be determined in relation to January 1st of the following year.

Candidates should have reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license if stated in the job description, provide references if requested and be willing to undergo a criminal background check. Please note the Annual Salary Range prior to sending a résumé and cover letter to recruiting@greeningofdetroit.com by August 1, 2025.

No phone calls, please.

EEO Statement

The Greening of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking to reach a broad and diverse candidate pool when filling vacant positions. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. We sincerely believe that our organization and its work benefits from the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff based on qualifications and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.