Urban Forestry Manager

Louisville Grows Inc; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisville Grows is seeking an Urban Forestry Manager to lead tree planting events, recruit and train volunteers, and strengthen community partnerships. You will manage volunteers, track program metrics, and work with partners to restore the urban canopy while maintaining equipment and a vehicle fleet.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in forestry/arboriculture, a Certified Arborist, and a valid pesticide applicator license.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of forestry/arboriculture experience and a Certified Arborist.
• Active Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or willingness to obtain in first month.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to drive trucks with flatbeds/boxes and operate a tractor.
• Ability to perform physical labor, including moving 100+ lbs, in all weather.
• Proven ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse communities.
• Proficient with Google Workspace and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Lead tree planting events with partners, volunteers, and neighborhoods.
• Recruit, train, and supervise Citizen Foresters and volunteers.
• Track program metrics and report to the Board of Directors and funders.
• Coordinate with Tree Committee and partner agencies to improve canopy.
• Oversee budgets and project scope for urban forestry initiatives.
• Maintain vehicles, tools, and Louisville Grows campus.

Skills

Project management

Volunteer coordination

Effective communication

Google Workspace

Tree inventory management

Education

Certified Arborist

Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

Tools

Tractor operation

Truck driving

Job description

Louisville Grows is an environmental 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to Grow Greener, Healthier Neighborhoods. Our Vision is a thriving Louisville where every resident is empowered to create, nurture, enjoy green spaces and gardens, engage in meaningful work opportunities, and contribute to the health of their community. We aim to be a leading nonprofit advocating for health equity through urban horticulture.

JOB SUMMARY

Louisville Grows is seeking an arboriculture expert, community leader, and effective project manager. The Urban Forestry Manager must have expertise in arboriculture methods and equipment used to plant, care for, and maintain trees. They will lead, schedule, and supervise tree plantings and ongoing care on residential and other properties. This includes securing residential plantings (Treecipients), recruiting and training Citizen Foresters and general volunteers, nurturing community partners, and strengthening individual relationships of those participating in the urban forestry program. The role also requires maintaining vehicles, tools, and other materials used for planting trees. The successful candidate will be a capable self-starter, eager to work with the community to restore the urban tree canopy.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Urban Forestry Manager:

• In coordination with a variety of funding sources, implement tree planting events that coincide with the organization’s ability to: 1) responsibly collaborate with community partners, 2) maximize volunteer involvement, 3) honor neighborhood residents, and 4) meet the needs of strengthening Louisville’s tree canopy. 5) Assist in reforestation activities, including planting and site preparation; 6) Forestry-related project work in a wide range of weather and field conditions
• Track and provide ongoing, timely, and effective communication and response to neighborhood “Treecipients” regarding their questions and needs about their tree adoption(s).
• Activate trained volunteer Citizen Foresters to maximize the urban forestry program's capacity. Engage, recruit, train, retain, and support Citizen Foresters, including organizing meetups and communicating regularly.
• Provide the Louisville Grows’ Board of Directors and broader community with ongoing program metrics to inform programs’ success and challenges in meeting funding goals, tree survival, and neighborhood expectations.
• Work with and support the organization’s Tree Committee that will: 1) provide a sounding board for community needs, 2) strengthen program policies and procedures, 3) systematically address both internal and external opportunities to improve urban tree success, and 4) work in partnership with agencies such as municipalities, counties, nature centers, and other nonprofit organizations.
• Take intentional actions to deepen the program's impact while increasing capacity through infrastructure improvements. This includes a tree farm, stronger community involvement, more frequent and meaningful volunteer engagement, and the effective use of growing resources.

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Weekend and overtime work during our busiest seasons, spring and fall, is required, but hours over 40 per week will be compensated the following week with hours off. The Urban Forestry Manager will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Horticulture Manager, Community Engagement Manager, and Tree Committee. This is an ideal position for someone who is motivated to create environmental equity in disadvantaged neighborhoods, someone who loves the outdoors and has a passion for trees, an organized self-starter with the ability to see your work through with a high degree of independence, and is looking for an exciting new opportunity to grow a successful, impactful program.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3-5 years of experience in forestry and arboriculture, and a Certified Arborist.
• Must have an active Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or be willing to obtain it in the first month.
• Ability to drive a truck with a flatbed or box trailer and operate a tractor. A valid driver’s license is required. Occasional use of a personal vehicle is required.
• Ability to perform physical labor, including moving 100+lbs. Using a tree dolly in all weather conditions and maintain a safe workplace in accordance with organizational policy.
• Effectively communicate technical and conceptual information on urban forestry.
• Maintain tree inventory, tool storage, work vehicles, and the Louisville Grows campus.
• Project management to oversee multiple projects, track metrics and analyze data, manage the urban forestry program budget, and contribute to written and verbal program reports for the Board of Directors, external audiences, and grantmakers.
• Excellent leadership, including the ability to solve problems independently and work independently as needed.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Proficient with Google Workspace.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS

• Experience with leading and organizing volunteers, and/or knowledge of effective community organizing practices.
• Knowledge of the current tree canopy statistics in our community, the Urban Heat Island Effect, and Environmental Justice Mapping tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfort speaking and presenting publicly on urban forestry and related topics.
• Ability to build positive relationships with individuals and work well with diverse and/or marginalized populations, including inviting and incorporating feedback.
• Mature and professional demeanor with a strong work ethic.

Note : This job description is not a comprehensive list of required activities, duties, or responsibilities. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Louisville Grows is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.