DCC Workforce Instructor Job Description
Job Title: DCC Workforce Instructor
Department: Workforce Development
Reports to: Director of Workforce Development and the Workforce Training & Job Placement Manager
Status: Full-Time
Annual Salary Range: $35,000 – $37,000
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.
The Detroit Conservation Crew (DCC) Adult Training Program that provides knowledge specifically through education, is an essential part of Our Workforce Development Department which was developed to provide landscape industry-related training that includes hands-on and classroom instruction, field trips and job readiness skills while acquiring relevant certifications.
Position Description:
This position, in collaboration with the Quality Control Manager and the Job Placement & Training Manager facilitates training for a cohort of 25-30 DCC trainees. The cohort participants field train on maintaining green spaces and various conservation service projects designed to build community and environmental stewardship. Daily tasks include but are not limited to: lectures, field trips, reviews, testing and tutoring the trainees from the Landscape Training Manual for Maintenance Technicians. The manual covers first aid, safety, landscape plan reading, plan estimating, turf installation, general turf maintenance, planting of trees and shrubs and plant maintenance, turf equipment operation and safety, general landscape equipment safety and maintenance and irrigation system components and maintenance.
Work Environment:
The DCC Instructor regularly reports to the Greening of Detroit headquarters. The job responsibilities will be conducted 90% or more of the time in the headquarters’ classroom setting or in the field while appropriately dressed in anticipation of all-weather conditions. An assigned flexible work schedule includes weekdays, Monday through Friday and some evenings and occasional weekends
Essential Position Responsibilities:
• Record and detail daily training logs, report issues/concerns and provide possible suggestions to streamline the training schedule. Regularly report cohort progress to gauge and identify potential problems.
• Take lead action on 30/60/90 day cohort tracking and reporting with assistance from the DCC Crew Leaders and the Job Placement Coordinator to ensure student retention, successful program completion and positive employment outcomes.
• Delivers engaging classroom and hands-on instruction on basic tree and landscape maintenance.
• Engagingly provide instruction on proper pruning instruction, chainsaw, tool and equipment operation and safety, tree identification, plant health basics and general landscape upkeep.
• Develops and implements lesson plans that aligns with Workforce and industry standards.
• Evaluates trainee performance and supports the development of job readiness, professionalism and employability skills.
• Ability to navigate and safely operate Greening vehicles, including safe trailer operation.
• Prepare, review, administer, check and record tests from the Training Manual including the final exam.
• In coordination with the DCC staff and the Program Director, Identify and address disciplinary actions as needed.
• Be proactive to problem solve and complete training related issues and Attends meetings as required or requested.
• Completes other duties and projects as assigned, directed, to facilitate The Greening of Detroit’s mission and presence.
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.
• Excellent organizational, Project management, Time management and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication and classroom management skills.
• Passion for student empowerment and success, workforce development and environmental sustainability.
Education and Experience:
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Possess landscaping, grounds maintenance and basic tree & plant care.
• Ability to accurately translate technical skills into accessible instruction for untrained and diverse learners.
• Knowledge of operating zero-turn mower, chainsaw, push mower, weed whip, edger and hand tools.
• Possess a minimum of 10 hours of both MIOSHA and landscape training safety. (30 days after employment)
• Be CPR and First Aid certified, must provide proof of valid and current certifications.
• Michigan Green Industry Association (MGIA) certification is a plus.
Compensation, Benefits and Perks:
The Greening of Detroit offers medical insurance with employee premium sharing. Plus, there is the option of enrolling in voluntary-employee-paid dental and vision. We also offer paid holidays and paid bereavement days. Additionally, based on date of hire AND hours worked, The Greening also offers accrued paid sick time and in line with seniority, accrued Paid Time Off (PTO).
Candidates should have reliable transportation, possess a valid Driver’s license and be able to obtain a valid Chauffeurs’ License within 10 days of starting their first day of employment, provide references as requested and be willing to undergo a criminal background check. Please note the Annual Salary Range Rate prior to sending a résumé and cover letter to recruiting@greeningofdetroit.com by 5 pm, Friday, March 13th, 2026, 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.