Urban Forestry Specialist

The Community & Urban Forestry (CUF) Program at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking interested applicants for the Urban Forestry Specialist position. Please see below for information about the position.
 
Role Overview:
 

The Urban Forestry Specialist works directly with Indiana communities to help them protect, improve, and expand their community and urban forests. This position will primarily work with municipalities, non-profits, tree boards, and volunteer groups to offer technical assistance with tree plantings, tree maintenance, tree inventories, and other urban forestry-related projects. This position involves traveling to communities in every corner of the state. 

This is a grant funded position that is set to expire in June 2028. Individuals in this role can expect to work 37.5 hours per week at $25 per hour. Expected start date is June 1, but can be changed to accommodate the candidate.

 
Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or any other related field. 
•    Knowledge related to urban forestry theories and practices that include but are not limited to inventories, urban forest canopy, and urban forestry best management practices.
•    Familiarity with urban forestry tools and equipment.
•    Ability to identify tree species native to the Midwest and awareness of the threats to them from pests and diseases. 
•    Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and GIS programs.
•    Well organized with the ability to work independently.
•    Ability to present information in front of groups and speak at public engagements.   

Roles and responsibilities:

•    Monitor and inspect tree planting projects and other projects funded through the grant program.
•    Assist communities with tree planting projects by instructing, teaching, and leading volunteers and municipality workers in the best management practices when it comes to tree planting and post planting care. 
•    Instruct and train volunteers, tree board members, and municipal workers on all aspects of urban forestry. 
•    Assist communities with meeting Tree City USA Standards and applying for recognition. 
•    Assist the outreach coordinator with instructing and organizing training events.
•    Use of GIS programs to record, view, and analyze tree inventory and canopy data. 

If you have any questions about this position or want information on how to apply, please send an email to Jacob Roos at jroos@dnr.IN.gov.