Program Assistant

The mission of Trees Forever is “To plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship.” As we’ve lost more habitat, forests and urban trees,

the demand is growing for more tree plantings and management of natural areas. Through all Trees Forever Programs, the Trees Forever Program Assistant will work collaboratively to train and employ teens and young adults, manage TreeKeeper and other volunteers to plant and care for trees, while adding value that will benefit the entire community.

·  Communicate and manage program delivery expectations and standards with Trees Forever staff.

·  Engage, motivate, and coordinate Growing Futures teenage employees:

o  Plan, implement, and supervise Growing Futures Youth Teams during 3 sessions, including Saturday service days.

o  Supervise one to two crews per session, totaling 10-20 youths

o  Coordinate with internal and external partners for career development, scheduling enrichment activities, and guest speakers to cover career readiness and green job opportunities.

o  Along with the Program Manager, maintain and improve existing relations with partner youth and community organizations and seek new relationships and partner organizations that could lead to program improvements.

·  Facilitate the engagement, motivation, and coordination of volunteers, community groups, and city staff on the following:

o  Local volunteer coordination, development, and recognition including the TreeKeepers volunteer engagement program.

o  Coordinate, lead, and participate in woodland management, planting and educational events.

·  Organize and coordinate tree planting and care work to include the following:   

o  Care and maintenance of tree planting projects.

o  Recommendations and/or review of site designs and plans.

o  Woodland management workdays.

o  Efficient and effective program delivery models (i.e. efficient routes for planting and watering trees, analysis of tree data and areas to target tree planting and care, etc.).

o  Prioritization of neighborhoods for tree planting efforts using existing data.

·  May participate in requests to speak about Trees Forever Programs.

·  Complete reporting requirements including monthly and annual program summaries. Report weekly on work schedule and accomplishments.

 

·  Interpersonal skills necessary to build effective relationships with staff members, board members, partners, and volunteers.

·  Strong leadership traits, such as ability to give/receive constructive feedback, critical thinking skills, organization, and confidence in taking initiative

·  This person will have a proven passion for service, the environment, sustainability and youth and volunteer empowerment.

·  Possess a commitment to working for a non-profit organization and promoting Trees Forever’s mission and guiding principles.

 

·      Prepare and submit 2-week schedules and timesheets

·      Conduct presentations to community groups about Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps once a month

·      Engage at least 30 volunteers in conservation activities during the 11 month service period

·      Provide regular project updates and photos for the website and social media

·      Represent yourself and a Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps member at all times

·      Attend required trainings provided by the AmeriCorps Program Director

 

· Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.  Experience working with high-school aged youth highly preferred. Demonstrated ability to engage and manage high school-aged youth who may have barriers to employment a plus.

· Outdoor education and leadership experience preferred.

·   Some weekend work is required, primarily on Saturdays in the fall and spring, as well as some evening work commitments. Work outside of standard office hours can be offset through flextime.

·   Hours taken for sick, vacation and holiday leave cannot be counted toward the time needed to successfully complete the term of service.

·   The Trees Forever Program Assistant reports to, has day-to-day supervision from, and will receive considerable support from the Program Manager in Marion.

·   Valid U.S. Driver’s License required plus reliable transportation and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight trips and some evening and weekend meetings.

·   Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and possess ability to complete all physical requirements including lifting 40 pounds in each hand.

·   Registered sex offenders are not eligible for this position.

On occasion, service will be required at an off-site location. Use of a personal vehicle may be required to perform duties. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position and runs from September 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020. Benefits include $18,700 living stipend, health insurance, and an education award upon successful completion of the term of service and deferment of qualified student loan.

Applications and directions are available at www.buroaklandtrust.org and will be accepted until June 30, 2019.

Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you to fully participate in the application process, please contact Brooke Flattery, Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps Program Director at (319) 338-7030 or brooke@buroaklandtrust.org