Community Forester

Job Description

Hennepin County's Environment and Energy Department is seeking a skilled and passionate urban and community forester to join our dynamic forestry team. In this limited-duration role, you will play a key part in delivering projects funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant. This position is expected to last approximately two years, concluding when grant-funded activities are completed.As an urban and community forester, you will help strengthen the county's tree canopy and environmental resilience. Your work will include assessing trees on private properties, partnering with homeowners and tree-removal contractors, selecting high-quality planting stock, and supporting tree planting and maintenance efforts. You will also develop and present data-driven insights, complete biannual grant reporting, and engage the community through public meetings and educational programming.
This role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with residents, municipal staff, green jobs providers, Forestry Pathway Productive Day crews, and Sentencing to Service program leaders and participants-helping to cultivate healthy urban forests and stronger communities.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.

Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed in the field and at the Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department at 625 4th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About this position type:
This is a limited duration (grant-funded) full-time, benefit earning position expected to last up to two years.
This position is internally classified as an Environmentalist.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:
• Participate in planning efforts, engage, and collaborate with residents, municipalities, state agencies, educational institutions, volunteer groups and other organizations in support of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant activities.

• Meet with homeowners seeking diseased tree removal assistance to assess affected trees and determine eligibility, including verifying species, evaluating tree health and structural integrity, and identifying diseases or infestations.

• Inventory trees and the associated tree issues.

• Work with applicants to select replacement trees and locations as well as reinspection of newly planted trees.

• Develop, use and update Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and maps in collaboration with county GIS staff.

• Create work orders based on information gathered during inspections.

• Monitor and report contractor performance to contract manager.

• Record and compile data based on federally mandated metrics.

Need to have:
• One of the following:
• Bachelor's degree in physical or natural sciences, environmental health, industrial hygiene, public health, engineering, public or business administration, or a field closely related to the assignment and 6 months of experience in work related to the assignment.

• Related education and experience to total four years and six months.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County drivers permit.

Nice to have:
• Experience with:
• Coordinating community engagement and forestry-related programs with local government partners.

• Working in urban and community forestry, including planning, participating in, and leading forestry projects.

• Technical arboriculture, including chainsaw operation, pruning, planting, removals, and climbing.

• Tree inspections/canopy assessments for general health, infestations, diseases, and structural issues.

• Overseeing tree and landscaping contractors.

• Collaborating with diverse communities to co-develop strategies to address forestry or other environmental issues.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, spreadsheet applications, GIS tools, and tree inventory management software.

• Strong problem-solving, time-management, communication, and writing skills.

• Excellent organizational abilities and proven project management skills.

• Ability to:
• Manage multiple active projects.

• Communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the organization, external partners, and the diverse residents of Hennepin County, including the preparation of clear verbal and written presentations.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, and other professionals including teams comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise.

About the department:
The Environment and Energy department protects and preserves the environment to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. We engage communities to develop and enact sustainable solutions. We focus on reducing and responsibly managing waste, protecting and preserving ecosystems, delivering clean energy, and promoting environmental stewardship.

About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Guest).Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.Your future. Made here.This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.Watch this video for application best practices and tips.

Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a criminal background check.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition division
Hennepin County Human Resources department
Submit a request at hennepin.us/ask-hr or 612-348-7855