UCF Grant Specialist

Job Summary:
DEC was awarded a grant by the U.S. Forest Service to manage ash trees impacted by the Emerald Ash borer and implement community forest management plans in local communities. The successful candidate will help to ensure that federal funding results in successful projects, is expended in a timely manner and consistent with the Federal grant requirements. The UCF Grant Specialist supports DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry subgrant program and other grant programs as needed. As the Urban and Community Forestry Program is expanding to address climate carbon sequestration goals, provide statewide leadership, and deliver unprecedented levels of funding, this position will critically support federal grant subawardees and ensure that tree planting and tree maintenance projects result in long-lasting public benefit.

Duties:

• Work with and support grant awardees, regional staff, coordination team, and other DEC programs, municipalities, volunteers, and partner organizations.
• Ensure DEC awardees submit state and federal reports on time.
• Collect additional information to tell each awardee’s story showing how funding made positive community impacts.
• Track grant progress, collect data for program reporting and evaluation.
• Track and identify support needs of IRA grant recipients.
• Develop a community of support for and between awardees through educational presentations and awardee sharing of progress and challenges.
• Support and keep all regional foresters in the communication loop with awardees.
• Support regional staff and provide technical assistance when regional staff need back up due to conflicting responsibilities.
• Assist in developing guidelines and technical standards for grants.
• Work independently and as a supportive and productive member of a cohesive team. Must be detail oriented, highly organized and a good communicator.
• Assist in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of statewide Urban and Community Forestry programs as needed.
• Utilize various tools and technologies including various webinar software, GIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• This position may require travel and outdoor work as needed

Qualifications:

Required:

• A bachelor's or higher-level degree in forestry, urban forestry, environmental studies, environmental science, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, geography, physics),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, natural resources management, pathology, plant entomology, plant pathology, silviculture, soils, surveying, or wilderness management OR
• Or a bachelor's or higher-level degree, including or supplemented by either 24 semester credit hours in at least two (2) of the following areas: forestry, urban forestry, environmental studies, natural sciences, geography, education. Two (2) years of environmental conservation-related experience, or a combination, thereof.
• Must have a valid driver's license

Preferred:

• Urban forestry experience
• Two years of experience

How to Apply:

Please submit resume and cover letter via email: urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov, noting “UCF Grant Specialist” in subject line of email 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