Forest Science Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY

Forest Restoration Site Coordinator

Reporting to: Senior Manager, Conservation Science

Salary: $69,000 - $72,000 

ABOUT THE NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY

The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on caring for our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming. Through these efforts, we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits, because we believe that by working together—with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks—we can create healthy, thriving natural spaces and more resilient, connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26-city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This role will assist with forest restoration implementation projects in natural area sites in New York City.

This new position supports the advancement of management goals detailed in the 2018 Forest Management Framework for New York City (FMF), a 25-year roadmap to invest in and care for forests co-developed by NAC and NYC Parks. Informed by extensive research, the FMF’s robust metrics recommend that management enhance biodiversity, adapt forests to climate change, engage the community, and expand its trail system. 

The Restoration Site Coordinator is responsible for assisting with tracking and reviewing forest restoration projects in the field to support a program of long-term natural-area forest management. This role will report to NAC’s Senior Manager of Conservation Science (SMCS) and work closely within the NAC forest restoration implementation team within NAC’s Research and Conservation team to meet the broader goals of implementing natural areas management citywide. The Coordinator will collaborate with the NYC Parks’ Forestry and Natural Resources teams and non-profit NYC Parks conservancies. This position will be 20% office and 80% field-based, with a schedule that varies depending on field activities. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the SMCS, assist in implementing forest restoration projects in NYC in the field according to project plans.

Develop a calendar and prepare maps for multiple forest restoration projects, and coordinate work schedules and deliverables with the NAC Restoration Ecologist and the project team. 

Conduct regular site visits to assess and document progress, quality, and adherence to project tasks and contract specifications. 

Prepare and maintain accurate project documentation, including daily and task-oriented reports, schedules, spatial work depictions, and any proposed scope changes using specified forms, GIS, and databases in a timely manner. 

Prepare plant orders, inspect and tag nursery stock at nurseries. Coordinate plant deliveries and ensure delivered plants meet quality specifications and are secured on-site.

Conduct regular site safety inspections in coordination with contractors and partners to ensure the site complies with city, state, and federal site safety codes and permits.

Inform the supervisor promptly about work delays, safety concerns, or emergencies, as per written protocols.

Facilitate, organize, or lead planting and volunteer events as needed in cooperation with NYC Parks and park conservancies

Provide community engagement support and participation in site monitoring as needed in the context of restoration projects

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications required to excel in this position can come from a range of both professional and lived experiences.

• Minimum education of an Associate Degree or B.S. or M.S. degree, preferably in forestry, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, plus one year of professional experience in ecological project or construction management

• Urban natural area forest management skills and knowledge

• Familiarity with ecological construction management, forest ecology, ecological plot analysis, and developing and communicating forest management recommendations. 

• NYC Plant identification skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• A motor vehicle driver’s license valid in the State of New York

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Google Suite

• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in NYC natural areas or parks. 

• Knowledge of NYC natural area parkland

• Proficiency in ArcGIS

JOB LOCATION:

This position will report directly to field locations 80% of the time. Field locations are primarily northern Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, with occasional work in all five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island).

The Restoration Coordinator will also work from a primary office location in Queens when needed (20% of the time).

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

The NAC is offering a salary of $69,000-$72,000 for this position at 35 hours/week, in addition to a competitive benefits package including generous 15 days vacation, 10 sick/safe days, 2 personal days, medical/dental/vision insurance,  401K with 4% employer match, and annual professional development funds. This position is not eligible for overtime pay.

APPLICATION

To apply for the Forest Restoration Site Coordinator role at the Natural Areas Conservancy, please upload your resume, including three references with contact information, and your cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until September 15, 2026. Please address any questions to jobs@naturalareasnyc.org. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with NAC is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at the NAC.

To Apply

Click “Apply for this position” and upload an up-to-date resume, including relevant experience for the position.