Resiliency Planting (Nursery and Reforestation) Specialist

Job Summary:
The Resiliency Planting (Nursery and Reforestation) Specialist will support DLF in implementation of its 25 Million Tree Initiative, Statewide Reforestation Plan, and other reforestation goals through development of new programs and coordination across partners and other stakeholders. As part of this broader effort, this position will work to scale up the reforestation supply chain, improve coordination between the Division and its partners, and support the Saratoga Tree Nursery. This position will be based out of DEC’s Central Office but will require some duties and trainings to be based out of the Saratoga Tree Nursery. Frequency and duration are to be determined.

Duties:

• Develop and implement a new grant program to support private and public nurseries and seed collection organizations to boost the state’s reforestation supply chain and seed availability. This is expected to be the primary duty of this position for the first several years;
• Establish and maintain a working publicly accessible list of private and public nurseries, seed dealers, seedbanks, seed collectors, other reforestation services, and hard goods suppliers to promote networking between the groups, expanded opportunities, and collaboration to meet current and future market needs and expanding production goals;
• Develop statewide working groups to support reforestation efforts across the state;
• Work with the NYS DEC Nursery’s seed procurement forester and cooperating Regional Forestry staff to monitor existing procurement sites, conduct seed collection workshops, coordinate volunteer work (collection) days, and establish collection drop off locations within New York seed zones;
• Work with staff and partners to identify potential wild seed collection areas, establish and maintain seed production areas and orchards on public lands, and provide guidance for areas established on private lands;
• Work with regional partners and stakeholders to develop appropriate guidelines and coordinate collaborative implementation of seed collection and tree production activities;
• Maintain a list of existing tree planting programs within DEC and other agencies and organizations as well as estimate yearly program needs and coordinate needs with the established supply network;
• Maintain volunteer and cooperator lists by region. Connect groups with potential collection sites and monitor and report accomplishments of programs and partners.

Qualifications:

Required:

• A bachelor's or higher-level degree in environmental planning, environmental science or environmental studies; geography; natural science; physical science; civil, environmental or geological engineering; planning; public policy studies or public administration; landscape architecture; urban planning or urban studies; economics or business administration. OR
• A bachelor's or higher degree in ecological forest management, forest biology, forest ecosystem science, forest health, forest resource management, forestry, Natural Resources Planning, Natural Resources Management, Natural Resources Conservation, or urban forestry. OR
• A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 24 credits in any of the following; dendrology, entomology, environmental planning (as part of a forestry program), environmental policy (as part of a forestry program), environmental resource management (as part of a forestry program), forest ecology, forest ecosystem, forest entomology, forest inventories, forest pathology, forest management, forest measurement/inventory, forest recreation, forest recreation management, geographic information system (GIS), natural resources planning, natural resources policy, pathology, plant entomology, plant pathology, silviculture, soils, surveying, or wilderness management.
• Must have a valid driver's license

Preferred:

• Knowledge of the reforestation pipeline, supply chain, and nurseries
• Experience with tree planting programs or climate adaptation strategies
• Understanding of contract agreements
• Experience working with partners and stakeholders to organize collaborative opportunities and efforts
• Experience with GIS spatial tools, like Arc GIS

How to Apply:

Please submit resume and cover letter via email: molly.hassett@dec.ny.gov, by close of business, Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Additional Comments:

NHT is committed to building and encouraging an inclusive workplace that strives for respect and promotes and values diversity. We believe that organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective, or any other trait that makes an individual unique, are proven to be better organizations. Please consider joining the team as we work together to build a welcoming workplace where employees recognize their unique characteristics, skills, and experiences are respected, valued, and celebrated.

To support our employees, NHT provides a generous benefits package similar to what is offered to New York State employees. Our total compensation package includes, but is not limited to, leave benefits (14 paid holidays as well as paid vacation, sick, and personal leave); a comprehensive health insurance program including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans; and membership in the NYS Employees Retirement System. Additionally, employees may be eligible for partial remote work schedules.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Albany, NY 12207: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Albany, NY 12207

Salary : $65,000