Project Coordinator USDA Forest Service at City of Springfield, MA

About the Department

The Project Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of all steps necessary for labor and materials required to achieve project tasks in accordance with the provisions of the Grant. This position will provide technical expertise on various arboricultural and forestry related projects including street tree maintenance and forest management plans.  Work is performed in accordance with the accepted methods and procedures under the supervision of the Project Administrator. Responsible for managing work schedules of volunteers and outside contracted labor, supervision is not exercised over other City employees.  

Position Duties

• Assists Project Administrator to manage USDA Forest Service IRA Urban Forestry Grant awarded to the City of Springfield with a total budget of $6 million.
• Attends planning meetings with the USDA Forest Service, City of Springfield (COS), outside contractors, and other community stake holders.
• Develops written materials and presentations for the public relations program of grant related activities.
• Conducts outreach and permissions of tree planting efforts. 
• Oversees implementation of Neighborhood Nursery program including installation and periodic maintenance.
• Provides technical advice for development of Urban Forest Management Plan and Woodland Management Plan described within grant award.
• Coordinates contractor tree planting and tree pruning crews.
• Oversees contractors to ensure compliance with Forestry Division work standards.
• Updates to Springfield’s tree inventory system to reflect grant activities including tree maintenance and new tree planting work records.
• Performs tree maintenance tasks including pruning, planting, watering, and mulching.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, municipal officials, contractors, consultants, and the general public.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and writing.
• Ability to identify tree planting locations based on “Right Tree Right Place” concepts and COS minimum distance standards.
• Knowledge of common urban tree species and their physiological characteristics.
• Knowledge of silviculture and forest fire mitigation.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement tree planting and pruning operations.
• Ability to anticipate, respond to, and manage change, ability to think strategically.

Other Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, or related field and two (2) years of related work experience; OR any equivalent combination of four (4) years.