Forestry Program Coordinator

Lansing School District•Lansing, MI

13d•$25 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Forestry Program Coordinator coordinates and oversees hands-on forestry, environmental education, and outdoor work-based learning activities for Lansing School District high school students. The role primarily supports high school forestry peer mentors through guidance, training, project coordination, and hands-on assistance as they learn to lead forestry and environmental activities for younger students. The Coordinator connects classroom learning with practical forestry experiences, including tree planting and care, habitat improvement, school beautification, environmental education, and community forestry projects. The position helps ensure student-led projects are organized, safe, educational, and aligned with school and community goals. It also supports student leadership and workplace skill development, career exploration, and coordination with school staff, forestry professionals, municipal staff, environmental organizations, and other community partners. The position is part-time for the 2026–2027 school year. Work takes place at Lansing School District schools, outdoor learning sites, and community forestry project locations.

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

Coach, supervise, and provide hands-on guidance to high school forestry peer mentors, helping them develop leadership, communication, teamwork, project-management, and professional skills.
Prepare peer mentors to lead forestry and environmental activities with elementary and middle school students, including coaching them on safety and appropriate interactions with younger children.
Coordinate hands-on forestry work-based learning experiences covering tree planting and identification, tree 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 work habits such as punctuality, responsibility, teamwork, communication, and proper use of tools and equipment.
Work with peer mentors to develop age-appropriate forestry activities, lessons, demonstrations, games, and outdoor experiences for elementary students.
Coordinate forestry and beautification projects at participating schools, including planning tree planting and landscape improvements, coordinating work crews, and arranging follow-up tree care.
Coordinate with school staff and community partners on schedules, materials, site preparation, student participation, and project logistics.
Teach and reinforce safe outdoor work practices; ensure students receive instruction before using tools; monitor tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment; maintain an organized inventory; and report damaged or unsafe equipment.
Develop and maintain a yearly schedule of forestry activities and student work experiences, including field experiences, guest speakers, and career exploration activities.
Coordinate school-based and outdoor learning activities with teachers and program staff, including transportation and logistics for off-site activities.
Maintain records of student participation and completed forestry projects.
Provide students increasing responsibility for planning and leading activities, and help them document experiences for resumes, portfolios, internships, and future employment.
Support students in exploring postsecondary education, apprenticeships, certifications, and forestry- and environmental-related careers.
Build partnerships with forestry, environmental, education, and workforce organizations.