Description

Under direct supervision of the Urban Forester, this position serves as the lead in developing and implementing education and outreach programming related to urban and community forestry. Leads community-volunteer programming related to tree planting, invasive vegetation management, and other environmental stewardship activities. Initiatives focus on equity and community resilience by strategically engaging disadvantaged communities and diverse stakeholders most vulnerable to environmental issues. Programs aim to support flooding and stormwater management, urban heat mitigation, and environmental sustainability goals. Work requires collaboration, creativity, inclusivity, and is solution oriented.

Examples Of Duties

Develop inclusive and accessible urban tree education, outreach, and stewardship programming aimed to engage communities most underserved and vulnerable, such as youth, those with limited English proficiency or English as a second language, and individuals with disabilities.
Plan, lead, and teach tree planting, young tree care, invasive plant removal, and environmental stewardship to youth and adults.
Develop programming to promote, raise awareness, and connect the benefits of trees and urban forests to communities.
Manage volunteers for tree planting and stewardship events including recruiting, organizing, administering, and communicating effectively with diverse groups.
Identify partnerships, foster relationships, and develop champions with community-based organizations, civic and community leaders, elected officials, city board/commissions, and schools in urban forest engagement.
Prepare clear, concise communication materials on city policies and plans related to trees, urban forestry, and related city codes, using newsletters, flyers, websites, and social media and other methods to target those with limited web-based access.
Assess effectiveness of education and volunteer efforts, suggest improvements, and track progress towards goals.
Assist Urban Forester in managing grants and programs related to the implementation of the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan.
Support the city’s progress towards meeting Virginia Chesapeake Bay requirements such as the local total max daily load (TMDL) and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitting through implementation of urban forestry initiatives on preserving, expanding, and quantifying forested areas and related best management practices.
Perform administrative tasks such as tree inventory data management and assistance to the Stormwater Utility Credit Program in tree-related outreach and administration.
Assist in public inquiries and general urban forestry communication in coordination with City’s Communication and Marketing staff.
Provide support to other urban forestry and city programs, such as in the Divisions of Stormwater, Sustainability, Parks, and Recreation.
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications

Any combination of education or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in urban forestry and arboriculture, environmental education, volunteer management, natural resource management, horticulture, forest conservation or related field.
Additional experience or education may be substituted to demonstrate minimum qualifications.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge or experience in environmental education programming, natural resource management, conservation, urban forestry, and invasive vegetation management.
Thorough knowledge in volunteer management and community engagement, preferably in an environmental related field.
Considerable knowledge in community partnership best practices and equitable engagement.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Experience working with and serving people from a variety of backgrounds, including use and knowledge of DEI concepts.
Experience making data-driven decisions and understanding the importance of data management.
Considerable knowledge in the planting and care of urban trees and woody plants.
Basic knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
Ability to work regular weekends, occasional evenings, and alternative schedules as necessary for volunteer programming.
Additional Desirable Qualification:
Bilingual or experience working with diverse groups such as those with limited English proficiency and/or English as a second language.
Experience or knowledge of local plant types and environment to Northern Virginia.

Supplemental Information

The position is funded until March 2027 or when funds run out, with possibility for renewal/extension.
Grade 116: $63,589 - $101,564