The Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS) is a vibrant, nimble, and growing organization that works each day to build the confidence, competence, and camaraderie of all professionals who manage trees and forests to create and sustain more livable communities. This membership-based organization provides the professional home for urban and community foresters who make or support daily tree planting decisions in communities across the world.

UCFS seeks an experienced Independent Contractor to work on a contract basis to complete a variety of projects and assignments as needed. You may work on your own or collaborate with other team members, depending on the scope of the project. Our ideal candidate is highly skilled in their field, can work under minimal supervision, and has a flexible schedule.

How you’ll make an impact

You will take a leading role in the advancement of the profession of urban and community forestry. With a deep understanding of the profession and where it’s going, you’ll think creatively to identify areas where we can make headway, create innovative approaches to addressing an issue, and inspire others to work toward achieving goals.

You will lead with a service mindset that puts the members of the organization first.

You will coordinate educational programming and set priorities that impact daily tree planting decisions. This is an incredible opportunity to move the field forward with innovative thought leadership and the action to make it happen.

Key Responsibilities

Member Education

Provide continuity and coordination to maintain and enhance the linkages of all UCFS educational offerings to ensure an educational support system is set that best serves members.

Manage UCFS’s monthly virtual Learning Series by identifying topics, recruiting speakers, managing CEUs for event, managing logistics for delivery of the series.

Manage all other UCFS learning opportunities including Municipal Forestry Institute alumni events, conversation series, and other educational opportunities that arise.

Participate in the research, development, and distribution of printed or digital educational material such as white papers, best management practices, etc.

Support the delivery and educational programming of the annual UCFS conference to include working with the conference committee on recruiting and reviewing presentations, supporting speaker needs, and other activities that lead to a successful conference.

Urban and Community Forestry Professional Support

Support UCFS’s committees by occasionally attending meetings, actively participating in discussions and idea generation, and supporting committee objectives and action plans.

Advise members on programs available to them and their fit for the programs. Actively engage in UCFS’s processes for reviewing and awarding applications for the various programs.

With the Executive Director, work with our partners in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant funding to deliver programing and support for IRA grant recipients.

Grow and support UCFS’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming for UCFS board and staff, educational trainings for members, and ensure UCFS’s educational offerings and programs reflect these DEI principles.

Work to promote industry credentials, encourage members to achieve professional credentials, support training courses that lead to CEUs.

Support the Executive Director on other duties that meet the mission and strategic goals of the organization.

Municipal Forestry Institute Management

Support and help with the review and development of MFI curriculum in consultation with the Professional Development Committee and MFI Education Facilitators.

Support the MFI Education Facilitators so that they have the necessary information to deliver the program objectives of MFI, assist with recruitment of new Facilitators, etc.

Promote MFI and recruit participants.

Manage MFI application process including posting application, review, notification, and ongoing support to accepted applicants.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assess project or assignment details

Adhere to individualized budgets and requirements

Communicate updates and issues that arise with UCFS Executive Director and other UCFS team members

Meet organizational deadlines

Track and record your progress and present regular updates to UCFS Executive Director

Requirements and Qualifications

At least 3-5 years experience working with or in the urban forestry, municipal arboriculture, or other related field

Able to provide your own work equipment and setup including computer and phone

Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, document sharing services (i.e., SharePoint), and virtual meeting collaboration platforms

Able to travel periodically to organizational events

Able to prioritize and manage your schedule

Able to work with minimal supervision

Strong time-management, communication, and organizational skills

Compensation package will range from $65,000 to $70,500. This is a two-year contract with the potential for renewal. This position will work remotely from a home-based office.

To apply, please provide a resume and any sample work experience relevant to this position using the form below. 

Questions or difficulties with the form, please email Leslie Berckes at lberckes@ucfsociety.org

Apply by May 10, 2024.