Urban Forestry & Community Engagement Lead

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

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.