Forester Job Description

 Job Title: Forester

Department: Enterprise

Reports to: Director of Business Development

Status: Full-Time Annual Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,00.00

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 individual who combines region-appropriate urban forestry best practices with a proactive, professional leadership style to lead and manage tree planting crews at The Greening of Detroit.

Essential Position Responsibilities:

The Forester specifies and procures tree and plant material, manages crews to plant and maintain trees in the public right of way (streets, parks, etc.)

As a successful candidate, you are a proactive, highly motivated, team leader skilled in crew management, with a positive attitude and great communication skills (e.g. face to face, phone, email). You prepare your team for the work ahead, from logistics planning, equipment lists, and necessary training, with safety as a top priority. Candidate should be proficient in tree identification, planting, and best management practices. Working hand in hand with the planting crew, you will be helping to bolster Detroit’s tree canopy one tree at a time.

Work Environment:

During the planting season, the Forester should expect to spend 75% in the field and 25% at The Greening of Detroit’s office. Regularly supervises and participates in field work in all weather conditions. Must have the ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds and demonstrate experience in truck and trailer operations.

Work Tasks

  • Planting Logistics, Crew and Vehicle Management (40%)

    • Managing tree plantings, from communication with partners, to planning, implementing, and maintaining day-to-day logistics.

  • Tree Planning, Site Plans, Engagement (40%)

    • Employing urban and community forestry best practices to shape and rebuild a resilient the urban canopy, while collaborating directly with city and community partners.

  • Skilled project implementation, using industry standards for tree installation.

  • Administration (20%)

    • Keep detailed records of plantings and locations to track reforestation progress, grant reporting, and future program analysis.

    • Manage program expenses and stay within budget. Additional tasks, as directed by the Director.

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.

  • 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.

  • Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Education, Experience and Skills:

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in an urban forestry role. Or, individuals with four (4) years of related experience may be considered. Candidates should hold an ISA Arborist Certification or be able to obtain the certification within nine (9) months.

Additional Qualifications:

• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office, spreadsheets.

• GIS experience.

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 drew@greeningofdetroit.com. 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.