Forest Restoration Lead

The Forest Restoration Lead at Trees Atlanta is a full-time position focused on maintaining and restoring urban forests in Atlanta. Responsibilities include invasive plant control, plant care, leading Forestry Technicians, and coordinating volunteer projects. The role requires physical labor outdoors, use of technology for data collection, and a strong interest in native plants and urban ecology. Candidates must be able to work in various weather conditions and perform strenuous activities.
About the position

The Forest Restoration Lead at Trees Atlanta is a full-time position focused on the maintenance and restoration of urban forests in the Atlanta area. This role is crucial for the health of the urban ecosystem, as it involves the removal of invasive plant species and the replanting of native flora. The Forest Restoration Lead will work under the supervision of the Forest Restoration Supervisor and will be responsible for carrying out daily maintenance tasks, which include invasive plant control, mapping, and plant care. The position requires a hands-on approach to conservation, utilizing various tools and equipment such as hand saws, pruners, brush cutters, and sprayers to effectively manage restoration projects. In addition to the physical aspects of the job, the Forest Restoration Lead will also be responsible for leading Forestry Technicians and coordinating volunteer projects. This includes training volunteers, overseeing their work, and ensuring that restoration tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. The role requires the use of technology, including handheld GPS devices and ArcGIS Online, to collect and upload data related to the restoration efforts. The Forest Restoration Lead will also be tasked with creating and updating maps of greenspaces as needed, contributing to the overall mission of Trees Atlanta to protect and improve the urban forest. Candidates for this position should be prepared to work outdoors in various weather conditions and be capable of performing strenuous physical activities, including lifting heavy objects and navigating uneven terrain. A strong interest in native plants and urban ecology is essential, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the local environment while engaging with the community and promoting conservation efforts.

Responsibilities
• Carry out daily maintenance of restoration tasks as delegated by the program supervisor.
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• Perform invasive plant control and mapping.
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• Care for plants and monitor their health.
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• Lead Forestry Technicians in daily restoration tasks assigned by the Forest Restoration Supervisor.
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• Coordinate and lead regular weekday volunteer projects.
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• Use handheld GPS, smartphone, or tablet to collect relevant data in the field and upload it to the server and database through ArcGIS Online.
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• Create or update maps of greenspaces as needed.

Requirements
• A valid driver's license with a minimum of three years of driving history and a clean record.
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• Proficiency in driving a pickup truck and trailer is preferred.
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• Ability to conduct strenuous physical activity and lift up to 50 pounds repetitively.
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• Comfortable working outside in all weather conditions.
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• Comfortable applying herbicides (training required and provided).
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• Occasional flexibility to work evenings or weekends.
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• Capable of working individually or in a team.
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• Updated tetanus shot.
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• Interest in working with plants, specifically native plants, and/or urban ecology.

Nice-to-haves
• Education or one year of work experience in Ecology, Botany, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Urban Forestry, or a related industry.
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• Familiarity with ArcGIS or other GIS mapping systems is helpful.
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• Basic knowledge of Southeastern flora is highly desirable.

Benefits
• 403(b) matching
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• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Paid time off
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• Vision insurance