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.
Service Activities
• 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.
Community Need Addressed
The three main problems that Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps seeks to address in our community using AmeriCorps members are as follows: the loss of prairie and woodland habitat, the spread of non-native invasive species, and the lack of exposure to nature by people of all ages.
Position Outcomes
As an AmeriCorps State operating site, Bur Oak Land Trust and Trees Forever will increase its stewardship capacity and be instrumental in the development of future conservation leaders who will create sustained, long-term environmental impacts. Our members' efforts will restore and conserve native habitat, protect the wildlife that depend on our land, and increase and promote opportunities for residents to connect with nature
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment