Entry Level Forestry Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization that mobilizes individuals, families, communities, philanthropists, and public agencies to work together to create green, resilient communities by providing education on the benefits of planting trees, capturing rainwater, greening schools, and providing fun environmental educational activities. TreePeople unites with communities to grow a greener, shadier and more water-secure region at homes, neighborhoods, schools and in the local mountains.

The Community Forestry Foreperson (CFF) will operate a highly productive crew of foresters in support of a variety of regional community forestry projects while also providing training and educational activities to further the technical expertise of their staff. The CFF will manage the operation and scope of work for their workforce crew with the ultimate goal of promoting urban forest stewardship across Southern California. The CFF will also schedule and oversee Climate Action Corps fellows in their support roles.

The CFF will be positioned to contribute to higher-end project management tasks such as public agency coordination, permitting and sourcing of quality tree stock, as well as project implementation tasks such as planning and execution of staff tree planting and tree care. The position must ensure accurate tracking and reporting of key metrics, including trees planted and cared for, and the schedule of training activities. In addition to project-specific activities and crew supervision, the CFF will take a mentorship role, guiding early career professionals while positioning them to gain certifications in arboriculture. This will involve building partnerships to both recruit program participants and connect them with job opportunities in the public and private sectors.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop & implement workforce development programs to ensure career advancement opportunities for participants while meeting project deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and safety protocols throughout project functions, and promote the utmost level of safety within the team.
• Maintain effective communication with the Associate Director of Community Forestry, promptly addressing safety issues, personnel concerns, and any other requirements for support.
• Comply with permitting requirements and city regulations while conducting TreePeople business operations.
• Manage crews conducting urban forestry activities that result in widespread canopy expansion.
• Monitor and evaluate direct reports’ progress and effectiveness, providing feedback and support as needed.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of team performance and program outcomes to ensure effective data-driven reporting and informed decision making.
• Implement diverse training programs for crew members in arboriculture, landscaping, natural resource management, and related disciplines.
• Provide instruction and demonstration of field activities such as site assessment, GPS/GIS inventory tracking, tree planting, and tree maintenance.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities to assist team members in obtaining trade certifications, including the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
• Translate technical resources, including best management practices, professional publications, and project specifications, into accessible concepts for entry-level personnel.
• Maintain a professional demeanor when engaging with stakeholders during the conduct of TreePeople business operations.
• Develop and execute project work plans, including planting and maintenance schedules, site assessments, as well as tree procurement and inspection..
• Oversee and sustain inventories of vehicles, supplies, and equipment.
• Collect, oversee, and document tree planting data to fulfill reporting obligations, and to guarantee successful execution of tree maintenance plans.
• Support contract and funding reporting requirements, encompassing documentation and presentation of project deliverables such as photographs, sign-in sheets, narrative summaries, and GIS data sets.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience required, preferably in leading fieldwork teams or crews.
• Strong foundation of urban forestry principles and best practices, including experience planting and maintaining public trees.
• Demonstrated proficiency in leadership and team oversight abilities.
• Capacity to inspire, guide and promote growth in team members.
• Experience working on urban forestry projects in the City of Los Angeles preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills, proactive, amicable, and motivated.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities, encompassing active listening, negotiation and public speaking.
• Substantial proficiency in computer applications, including email, essential document and spreadsheet operations, GIS platforms, and project management software.
• Proven experience in operating stake bed trucks safely within residential regions.
• Possession of an ISA Certified Arborist designation is highly preferred. A candidate may be deemed eligible if they can showcase their commitment to achieving certification within 3 months of employment commencement.
• Proficiency in Spanish is beneficial and highly favored.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Work demands physical energy, twisting, safe heavy lifting ability, and hand-to-eye coordination.
• Uses machines, equipment, and work tools including but not limited to shovels, breaker bars, rakes, brooms, general hand tools, lift gates, water tanks, blowers, augers.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds.
• Must be able to load and unload 15-gallon trees from a stakebed truck.
• Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, i.e., rain, heat, sun, cold.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

WAGES AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time hourly position.