Forestry Specialist

Openlands; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Openlands is seeking a Forestry Specialist to advance urban forestry initiatives through program development, volunteer engagement, and technical arboriculture expertise. This role collaborates with staff and partners on community tree plantings, maintenance events, trainings, and education, serving as liaison to TreeKeepers and neighborhood groups.

In-person, full-time with some seasonal weekend/evening work; reports to the Director of Forestry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Certified Arborist with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Hands-on urban forestry practices including tree ID, planting, pruning, and care.
• Strong experience in volunteer coordination and community engagement.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience teaching, leading public presentations, and facilitating workshops or training sessions.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and digital data collection tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform outdoor physical labor year-round.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Passion for environmental conservation, climate resilience, and equitable access to green spaces.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and lead community-driven urban forestry projects.
• Manage and facilitate the Openlands TreeKeepers Course and TreeKeepers newsletter, including instructor coordination, material development, and participant recruitment.
• Develop and implement specialized training and continuing education events for volunteers and professionals.
• Plan and execute tree planting projects, including site selection, permitting, contractor coordination, tree species selection, and procurement.
• Collect, track, and report data on plantings, tree care activities, and volunteer engagement for internal use, grants, and communications.
• Recruit, train, and support TreeKeepers, volunteers, neighborhood leaders, and community groups in tree stewardship.
• Lead volunteer workdays, stewardship events, and public engagement initiatives across the region.
• Cultivate and support Spanish-speaking contingent within Openlands Forestry programs.
• Expand partnerships with local organizations and TreeKeeper Chapters to broaden impact.
• Respond to citizen and community inquiries related to urban forestry and tree care.
• Lead and support community meetings and informational sessions.
• Represent Openlands at regional and national conferences, communities events, and partner meetings.
• Provide technical guidance and act as a subject-matter expert to support policy, planning, and communication across the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Public presentations

Workshop facilitation

Bilingual English/Spanish

Project management

Communication skills

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry/urban forestry/arboriculture/related field

ISA Certified Arborist

Certified Arborist credential or eligibility

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office Suite

Digital data collection tools

Job description

Position Summary

The Forestry Specialist plays a key role in supporting and advancing Openlands’ urban forestry initiatives by combining program development, volunteer engagement, community outreach, and technical arboriculture expertise. Working in collaboration with other Openlands team members and external stakeholders, this position leads and supports a suite of forestry projects, including community tree plantings, maintenance events, volunteer trainings, and continuing education. The Forestry Specialist also serves as a critical liaison to the TreeKeepers network, neighborhood groups, and partner organizations to promote long-term urban forest stewardship.

The Forestry Specialist plays a key role in supporting and advancing Openlands’ urban forestry initiatives by combining program development, volunteer engagement, community outreach, and technical arboriculture expertise. Working in collaboration with other Openlands team members and external stakeholders, this position leads and supports a suite of forestry projects, including community tree plantings, maintenance events, volunteer trainings, and continuing education. The Forestry Specialist also serves as a critical liaison to the TreeKeepers network, neighborhood groups, and partner organizations to promote long-term urban forest stewardship. This in-person full-time, exempt position requires flexibility for seasonal weekend and occasional evening work and reports to the Director of Forestry.

Essential Functions

• Design, coordinate, and lead communitydriven urban forestry projects
• Manage and facilitate the Openlands TreeKeepers Course and TreeKeepers newsletter, including instructor coordination, material development, and participant recruitment.
• Develop and implement specialized training and continuing education events for volunteers and professionals.
• Plan and execute tree planting projects, including site selection, permitting, contractor coordination, tree species selection, and material procurement.
• Collect, track, and report data on plantings, tree care activities, and volunteer engagement for internal use, grants, and communications.
• Recruit, train, and support TreeKeepers, volunteers, neighborhood leaders, and community groups in tree stewardship.
• Lead volunteer workdays, stewardship events, and public engagement initiatives across the region.
• Cultivate and support a growing Spanishspeaking contingent within Openlands Forestry programs to increase accessibility and inclusivity.
• Expand partnerships with local organizations and TreeKeeper Chapters to broaden the program’s impact and reach.
• Respond to citizen and community inquiries related to urban forestry and tree care.
• Lead and support community meetings and informational sessions
• Represent Openlands at regional and national conferences, community events, and partner meetings.
• Provide technical guidance an serve as a point of expertise and an ambassador, both internally and externally, to support and enhance policy, planning, and communication efforts across the organization
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, landscape management, or a related field OR Certified Arborist with at least three years of relevant experience.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Handson experience with urban forestry practices including tree identification, planting, pruning, and tree care.
• Strong experience in volunteer coordination and community engagement.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
• Experience teaching, leading public presentations, and facilitating workshops or training sessions.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and digital data collection tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical labor in outdoor conditions throughout the year.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation (required throughout employment).
• Passion for environmental conservation, climate resilience, and equitable access to green spaces.