Forestry Program Coordinator

Lansing School District•Lansing, MI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forestry Program Coordinator coordinates hands-on forestry, environmental education, and outdoor work-based learning activities for Lansing School District high school students. The role works directly with high school forestry peer mentors, offering guidance, training, project coordination, and practical support as they develop skills to lead activities with younger students. The Coordinator connects classroom learning with real-world experiences such as tree planting and care, habitat improvement, school beautification, environmental education, and community forestry projects. Student-led projects should be organized, safe, educational, and aligned with school and community goals. The Coordinator develops students’ workplace and leadership skills, arranges forestry projects and career-learning opportunities, and collaborates with school staff, forestry professionals, municipal staff, environmental organizations, and other community partners. The position includes maintaining schedules and participation records, coordinating logistics for on- and off-site activities, and teaching and reinforcing safe outdoor work practices. Work takes place at Lansing School District schools, outdoor learning sites, and community forestry project locations, including outdoors in varying weather conditions. This part-time position is for the 2026–2027 school year and reports to the Program Administrator / Designated School District Supervisor. The stated pay is $25–$28 per hour.

Requirements

Experience in forestry, environmental education, landscaping, natural resources, agriculture, conservation, outdoor education, or a closely related field.
Experience working with high school students or young people.
Ability to lead hands-on outdoor activities.
Ability to teach and reinforce workplace and outdoor safety practices.
Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, students, families, and community partners.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Ability to pass required school district background and employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience with urban forestry, arboriculture, tree planting, or municipal forestry.
Experience supervising or mentoring youth.
Experience developing environmental education activities.
Experience working with student peer mentors or youth leadership programs.
Knowledge of native trees, plants, wildlife habitat, and local ecosystems.
First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification.
Experience with landscaping tools and basic forestry equipment.

Responsibilities

Work directly with high school forestry peer mentors, providing coaching, supervision, hands-on guidance, and feedback on leadership and work performance.
Help peer mentors build leadership, communication, teamwork, project-management, and professional skills, and prepare them to lead activities with elementary and middle school students.
Coordinate hands-on forestry work experiences covering topics such as tree planting, tree identification and care, habitat restoration, invasive species, environmental stewardship, and urban forestry.
Connect students with forestry professionals, municipal staff, environmental organizations, and other industry partners, and help students explore related career pathways.
Help students develop workplace habits, including punctuality, responsibility, teamwork, communication, and proper tool and equipment use.
Work with peer mentors to develop age-appropriate forestry activities and assist with planning and delivering lessons, demonstrations, games, and outdoor activities for elementary students.
Guide peer mentors in preparing classroom and outdoor activity plans and working appropriately with younger children.
Coordinate forestry and beautification projects at participating schools, including tree planting, landscape improvements, student work crews, and follow-up tree care.
Coordinate with school staff and community partners on schedules, materials, site preparation, and student participation.
Teach and reinforce safe outdoor work practices; provide or ensure instruction before tool use; and monitor students’ use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
Maintain an organized inventory of forestry tools, equipment, and supplies, and report damaged or unsafe equipment and recommend replacements.
Follow Lansing School District safety policies and applicable site requirements.
Develop and maintain a yearly schedule of forestry activities and student work experiences.
Coordinate school-based and outdoor learning with teachers and program staff, including field experiences, projects, guest speakers, and career exploration activities.
Coordinate with City of Lansing forestry staff and other community partners when appropriate, and assist with transportation and off-site logistics.
Maintain records of student participation and completed forestry projects.
Help students take increasing responsibility for planning and leading activities and document their experiences for resumes, portfolios, internships, and future employment.
Support students as they explore postsecondary education, apprenticeships, certifications, and forestry- and environmental-related careers.