Planting Program Coordinator

$55,000 - $55,000/Yr

Unclassified - San Jose, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

San Jose, CA

About the position

The Planting Program Coordinator at Our City Forest (OCF) plays a crucial role in the organization’s field operations, focusing on the planning and execution of tree planting events. This position is designed for an individual who is passionate about urban forestry and community engagement, ensuring that all planting activities are conducted efficiently and effectively. The coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the training and professional development of AmeriCorps members, ensuring that they are well-prepared to contribute to the organization’s mission. Additionally, the coordinator will maintain quality control during planting events, ensuring that safety standards are met and that trees are planted correctly. This role requires strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration across various teams within OCF, as well as the ability to engage actively with volunteers and community partners. The coordinator will also monitor and track the progress of tree planting initiatives, ensuring that all data is accurately recorded and updated. This includes overseeing the input of tree planting data and ensuring compliance with deliverables and funding requirements. The position is field-based, requiring a commitment to working outdoors and engaging with the community directly. The hours for this role are Tuesday to Saturday, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, allowing for a structured workweek focused on impactful community service. In addition to the primary responsibilities, the coordinator will handle various administrative tasks, including communication via emails and phone calls, managing inventory, and assisting with fleet maintenance. The role is integral to the success of OCF’s planting programs and requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and project management.

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with deliverables and compliance requirements of OCF tree planting programs, funding sources, & partnerships.
• Monitor and track tree planting progress towards goals and work plans.
• Oversee inputting of tree planting data to ensure data is accurate, entered correctly, and updated regularly.
• Assist with AmeriCorps member training, as requested.
• Assist with identifying tree planting sites in designated areas, and cultivating planting partners and tree stewards.
• Provide quality control at community planting events to ensure safety standards are met, trees are planted and staked correctly, and volunteers know their specific roles and responsibilities.
• Coordinate tree planting event activities and roles to ensure all plantings are well-organized, properly staffed and equipped, and that roles and objectives have been clearly communicated to participants in advance of the project.
• Communicate regularly with other OCF program staff to ensure maximum collaboration among teams.
• Handle emails, phone calls, and other communications.
• Manage 811 markings and tickets.
• Track inventory and order supplies.
• Assist managers with fleet maintenance and scheduling.
• Contribute to project designs and use of Google MyMaps.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in urban forestry or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with volunteer coordination.
• Strong desire to work with volunteers and community partners on a grassroots level.
• Experience coaching and training volunteers or employees.
• Excellent customer service and people skills.
• Proficiency with Google Suite.
• Valid CA drivers license with clean DMV record.
• Must be willing to undergo OCF background checks.
• U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Nice-to-haves

• Fluent in Spanish and/or Vietnamese.
• ISA Arborist Certification or working towards certification.
• Bachelor's Degree in urban forestry, environmental studies, or related field.

Benefits

• 15 days PTO (accrual of 10 hours monthly)
• 9 holidays annually
• healthcare
• dental
• 403(b) employer contributions starting at 2 years of employment
• professional development opportunities