Downtown Planting Lead

Trees Atlanta is hiring a full-time Downtown Planting Lead in Atlanta, GA, to assist with the Downtown Urban Tree Master plan. Responsibilities include planting and watering trees, operating heavy equipment, and supporting volunteer projects. Candidates should have a passion for urban forestry, a valid driver's license, and the ability to perform physical tasks outdoors. Benefits include partial work apparel, retirement savings, and paid time off after one year.
Downtown Planting Lead

Employment Type: Full-time, Hourly
Employment Status: Non-Exempt
Apply By: Open Until Filled
Start Date: Immediate
Reports to: Downtown Planting Supervisor
Schedule: Monday – Friday (Saturdays, occasionally needed)
Salary: $17.50 / hour

Benefits: Partial work apparel, 403(b) Retirement Savings, and Professional Development opportunities; Eligible after one-year anniversary - PTO, Paid Holidays including your Birthday, Subsidized Medical and Dental insurance, Ancillary Insurance (Vision, Accident, Critical Illness), 403(b) Retirement Savings Match (enrollment in the 403(b) after 90-Day probation)

Job Description
We are searching for a Downtown Planting Lead to join our team. The successful candidate will be involved in helping to implement our Downtown Atlanta Urban Tree Master plan, which is a 10-year project in partnership with Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID). You will assist with planting and watering trees in Downtown Atlanta. The Downtown Planting Lead will be responsible for tasks alongside Downtown Planting Supervisor with logistics of tree planting work, as well as assisting with volunteer projects to support the work of Trees Atlanta’s Downtown Planting program, as directed by the Downtown Planting Manager.

You will get to:
• Interpret and follow planting plans, designs, schedules as created by the Downtown Planting Manager.
• On an as-needed basis, plant ball and burlap, container-grown trees, install soil cell root structure systems, typically using hand tools and power tools including but not limited to: shovels, digging bar, pickaxe, ball carts, sledge hammer, auger, and rakes.
• Operate heavy equipment (trucks, trailers, skid steer, water tanks, pumps, etc.)
• Complete associated tasks to protect installations (laying mulch, straw, and/or seed, installing temporary fencing, staking trees, pruning, and watering, flagging, measuring)
• Complete equipment maintenance, truck checks, inventory checks, inspections, ArcGIS updates, and daily timesheets.
• Use Google Workspaces, Microsoft Office, and ArcGIS applications to keep a record of work, stay organized, and communicate within and outside the organization.
• Be available to assist with other duties and or program departments as assigned.

What you need:
• A passion for arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, conservation, urban ecology, environmental designing or community improvement are all desirable.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean record over a period of three years.
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment experience (Bobcat, dingo, mini excavator, skid steer, lull, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and have outstanding interpersonal skills, positive attitude and public speaking ability (crucial for interaction with community organizations, volunteers, and staff).
• Ability to conduct moderate to strenuous physical activity in the field and lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Organized, self-motivated, and able to independently coordinate tasks and logistics of projects.
• Have familiarity of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications and be comfortable with utilizing various online and desktop based software (working knowledge or exposure to ArcGIS helpful).
• Reliable and possess good time management skills, versatility, high degree of worksite safety (construction areas and heavy machinery).

To Apply
Please submit an employment application at treesatlanta.org/careers. Applicants must complete the application and upload their resume or complete their job history (cover letters optional).

Background Check Disclaimer
• All final candidates will be required to pass both a criminal background check and drug screening; adverse results could impact hiring (Trees Atlanta is a participant in the Federal Drug-Free Workplace program).
• Final candidates applying for positions that require driving company owned vehicles will also have to pass a Motor Vehicle Report review to determine eligibility. Eligible drivers must also pass a DOT physical.
• All new hires will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States of America. Trees Atlanta in compliance with regulation set by the Department of Homeland Security. Trees Atlanta is a registered E-Verify employer.