Community Forestry Manager (San Fernando Valley)

TREEPEOPLE INC•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization that mobilizes individuals, families, communities, philanthropists, and public agencies to work together to create green, resilient communities by providing education on the benefits of planting trees, capturing rainwater, greening schools, and providing fun environmental educational activities. TreePeople unites with communities to grow a greener, shadier and more water-secure region at homes, neighborhoods, schools and in the local mountains. The Community Forestry Manager leads the planning and implementation of community-based tree planting, maintenance, and stewardship programs that strategically expand tree canopy in communities with the greatest need. The role oversees the Community Forestry team in identifying and evaluating potential planting sites, ensuring locations are safe to excavate, properly cleared of underground utilities, and compliant with relevant permitting requirements. This position coordinates with local utility companies to confirm underground infrastructure markings and manages the approval or denial of planting locations to minimize organizational liability and prevent service disruptions. The Community Forestry Manager develops planting plans and oversees the organization and execution of volunteer tree planting, tree care, and tree distribution events, while also supporting the long-term establishment and maintenance of planted trees. In addition to operational oversight, the role helps engage and inspire community members around the benefits of urban tree canopy expansion, building public support and cultivating a strong base of volunteers. The Community Forestry Manager is responsible for ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of program metrics, including trees planted, distributed, and maintained, as well as volunteer participation, to support program evaluation and grant reportin. The position works closely with regional community organizers to recruit diverse stakeholders for volunteer events and ensure TreePeople’s presence at community meetings and outreach opportunities. The Community Forestry Manager also partners with TreePeople’s corporate volunteer program to coordinate large volunteer groups from local businesses, expanding community participation in urban tree planting and stewardship efforts.

Requirements

Strong foundation of urban forestry principles and best practices, including experience planting and caring for street trees.
Highly-organized, strong work-ethic, friendly, smart, proactive and a quick-learner.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills: engaging, listening, negotiating, public speaking and writing.
Strong leadership, team-building and problem-solving skills.
Experience with staff supervision, project management and community organizing.
Familiarity with local climate and water resilience and environmental issues impacting diverse communities throughout Southern California.
Solid computer skills, including email, document and spreadsheet basics.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with the community of San Fernando Valley preferred.
Spanish fluency is preferred.
ISA Certified Arborist designation preferred.
ArcGIS familiarity preferred.

Responsibilities

DEVELOP, IMPLEMENT, EVALUATE AND EXPAND PROGRAMS TO ENSURE A HEALTHY, FUNCTIONING URBAN FOREST AND INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE IN HIGH-NEED AREAS BY ORGANIZING AND ENGAGING COMMUNITIES IN FUN AND MEANINGFUL TREE PLANTINGS, TREE CARE, RESIDENTIAL TREE DISTRIBUTIONS AND COMMUNITY GREENING PROJECTS.
Recruit, train, supervise and support community volunteers on tree plantings, tree care and community greening projects.
Oversees TreePeople’s community forestry team in planting and maintenance work in addition to site assessments and approval of planting locations.
Works closely with assigned community organizers in making lasting connections with and between community members, community-based organizations, public agencies, churches, schools, parent centers, businesses and other key stakeholders in support of TreePeople’s mission to inspire, engage and support the community to increase the urban tree canopy and address climate threats in Los Angeles and across the San Fernando Valley region.
Plan and coordinate tree distribution events with community partners and engage community members at distribution events on the benefits of fruit trees and proper methods of planting and care.
Develop and maintain partnerships with local community-based organizations, schools, elected officials, public agencies, businesses and other community stakeholders to expand TreePeople’s social and environmental impact.
Conduct site assessments and communicate tree canopy expansion projects to residents. Explain the many benefits of trees and listen to community feedback on planting plans. Relay questions and concerns to Senior Manager and Directors.
Develop detailed planting plans that include species variety and location details.
Develop and implement project work plans, including event scheduling, tree inspection, dig alert submissions and clearances.
Organize, support and lead community workshops and volunteer-led events, arrange future collaborations with community organizations and attend site visits.
Manage and maintain vehicle, supply and equipment inventories.
Gather, monitor and track data on tree plantings for reporting requirements and to ensure successful implementation of tree maintenance plans. Track and update tree plantings and maintenance routes in ArcGIS Field Maps.
Management of contract and funder reporting requirements, including documentation and presentation of project deliverables, including photos and sign-in sheets, preparation of narrative summaries, and GHG calculations.
Lead community outreach efforts, recruiting a diverse group of stakeholders that includes but is not limited to residents, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, youth groups, parent centers, neighborhood associations, schools, advocacy groups, businesses, and public officials.
Identify key community stakeholders in the project area(s) to leverage TreePeople’s work and establish and maintain relationships in the community.
Serve as a community liaison by participating in and representing TreePeople at meetings, fundraising, marketing, membership, volunteer events, etc.
Assist with TreePeople’s policy and research and public education initiatives, including but not limited to climate and water resilience, urban heat island mitigation, urban cooling, urban forestry management plans, and equity.
Other duties as assigned.