Since 1993, the Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) has been dedicated to conserving and sustaining America’s vital, productive forest landscapes. Working with forest owners, communities and an array of partners, we advance innovative, incentive-based strategies to safeguard our nation’s diverse forests. In so doing, we’re ensuring forests continue to provide people everywhere — from rural communities to urban centers — with a wealth of benefits, including clean water, sustainably harvested wood, green jobs, wildlife habitat and a livable climate.

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They seek a dynamic development professional to refine and implement a multi-pronged fundraising strategy, supported by a well-defined communications and marketing plan.

To view the position announcement, click here.

• Supported 17 significant urban forestry projects that provided California with 72,000 workforce hours supporting 140 jobs,
• Delivered important education to nonprofits and community organizations through our newsletter and annual conference,
• Sponsored successful legislation designating March 7 – 14 of every year as California Arbor Week, and
• Joined Network members to support legislation that extended the prevailing wage exception for volunteers through 2016.

Our Network members:

• Planted over 53,000 trees,
• Cared for over 122,000 trees,
• Held over 1,400 outreach events, and
• Engaged over 31,000 volunteers.

To read more about our work in 2011, download a copy of our annual report here. To help us continue the success of urban and community forestry in California, donate here.

The postdoctoral position is in a research work team, “Urban Ecosystems and Processes” located in Davis, California. The scientist will plan and conduct research that quantifies the interactive processes and effects among components of the urban forest ecosystem such as plants, soil, water, climate, and built surfaces. The work involves quantifying the effects of trees on atmospheric processes, microclimate and building energy use.

The scientist uses existing tree shade and building energy performance models and collects field data on tree species, size, and location relative to a sample of residential buildings in Sacramento to model energy effects. Findings will document the growth and longevity of trees previously measured in 1994, as well as changes in their impacts on building energy use. These data will provide a better understanding of the tradeoffs between various urban forest structures designed to strategically plant trees for cooling energy savings. The results will guide the creation and maintenance of optimal forest structures that maximize energy benefits for local residents while insuring desired levels of cost and safety. Also, the scientist uses Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing to classify tree canopy cover and quantify relations between tree crown area and field measured dimensions for a sample of Sacramento street trees. Results from this study will assist in development of procedures for monitoring tree growth with remote sensing and calculating carbon storage for urban forest project protocol reporting. The scientist’s modeling and measurement work will result in important empirical and theoretical advances in the science of urban and community forestry.

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in a field directly related to the research to be conducted in the position. The scientist is expected to undertake internationally recognized research, assist in the planning of research programs, publish research outcomes, and present talks and lectures. Applicants should have strong communication skills (oral and written); familiarity with grants and agreement processes is helpful, but not required. Developing and maintaining good working relationships are important skills to have in order to be effective in this position.

If you are interested in this position or would like more information, please contact Greg McPherson at (530) 759-1723, or via email at su.def.sfnull@nosrehpcmg.

Corpsmembers relax after a bountiful day cleaning up the Tule River corridor.

The SCC is composed of disadvantaged youth, ages 18-24. Most of these young people cannot compete in the job market. Some have not finished high school. Others have criminal records. CSET and the SCC provide these young adults with job training and placement, as well as assistance to corps members for earning their high school diplomas. They have provided over 4,000 young adults with job training and educational opportunities over the past 20 years.

Some of the SCC’s original projects included trail maintenance and development in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Their work in some of the nation’s most impressive forests naturally progressed into opportunities to bring the forest to the urban areas CSET served. SCC’s first urban forestry projects were in partnership with the Urban Tree Foundation.

The two organizations still work hand-inhand to plant trees today. The majority of these projects focus on unused riparian strips where native oaks and understory plants are placed along new hiking trails cut by SCC members. These trails provide a green escape in an area that would otherwise remain unused, and offer residents and visitors alike a glimpse into what the benefits of a strong environmental education program can mean for the region’s and its at-risk youth.

While many community members enjoy the beauty of these areas, many don’t realize the additional benefits CSET provides the community through its urban forestry program. The green trails capture storm water, increase wildlife habitat, and improve air quality in a region consistently ranked as one of the worst in the nation for smog and ozone pollution.

CSET continues its efforts to increase visibility on the tangible benefits of its project through a variety of tools and resources. One such resource is the federal grant secured by CEST in 2010 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds which are administered by California ReLeaf are supporting a multi-faceted project in which members of the SCC will be working to restore a native Valley Oak riparian forest along a creek that is currently devoid of vegetation while also improving Visalia’s urban forestry streetscape. The project brings the added benefit of significant job creation to a county with a 12% unemployment rate as of October, 2011.

“I had a revelation that, even though the people in these communities only live 45 minutes from some of the best national parks in the country, many of them can’t afford to make the short trip to see the parks. The urban forest brings nature to people where they are,” says Higgins.

He hasn’t only witnessed how urban forestry can change communities, but also how it can change individuals. When asked for examples of what SCC does for Corps members, Nathan is quick to respond with stories of three young men whose lives he’s seen transformed.

The three stories all start the same way – a young man who joined the SCC with little opportunity to better his life. One started as a crew member and has been promoted to crew supervisor, leading other young men and women to better their lives just as he has. Another is now working with the City of Visalia Park and Recreation Department as an intern doing park maintenance. His internship will hopefully turn into a paid position as funding becomes available.

Urban Forestry corpsmembers ‘greening’ our urban spaces.These young Valley Oaks will live for hundreds of years and provide shade and beauty for generations.

The most compelling of the three stories though is that of Jacob Ramos. At 16-years old, he was found guilty of a felony charge. Afterhis conviction and time served, he found it nearly impossible to find a job. At CSET, he earned his high school diploma and proved himself as one of the most dedicated workers in the SCC. This year, CSET opened a for-profit subsidiary that does weatherization work. Because of his extensive training completed with the Corps, Jacob now has a job there.

Each year, CSET plants over 1,000 trees, creates accessible hiking trails, and employs 100-150

young people. More than that, it has gone above and beyond its mission to strengthen youth, families, and communities in Tulare County. CSET and the SCC are a reminder of what can be accomplished for our environment and future generations through partnership and perseverance.

“Ambassadors” to the pilot programs will serve as coordinators, facilitators, and reporters, providing support in both strategic planning and project/program execution. Specifically, the Urban Waters Pilot Ambassadors will:

• serve as coordinators and ensure continuity of the pilot activities;
• connect federal resources and local needs/opportunities in collaboration with the local Urban Waters Partnership
• convene meetings and conference calls;
• report on the progress, value and outcomes of the Partnership, including local success stories, barriers and best practices. Reports may take various forms including annual reporting, web updates, participation on conference calls, weekly reports to the National Coordinator, etc.

The Ambassador will work closely with the pilot location leads to

• support the success of the pilots;
• maintain momentum for efforts at pilot locations; and
• demonstrate federal commitment to the success of pilot locations.

EPA will be the lead federal agency to place the Los Angeles Ambassador, who will fill a federal temporary full time position via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act Program (IPA). This position is available as a lateral assignment at the GS-12 or the GS-13 level. This temporary assignment will be for one year with the possibility of extending for a second year. The Council for Watershed Health will host the Ambassador. The reporting structure for the selected Ambassador will include the Council for Watershed Health, EPA, and the Ambassador’s permanent home organization.

The Los Angeles Ambassador will work with over 30 Partner organizations towards watershed revitalization. Responsibilities will include:

• implement, refine and update the first annual Partnership work plan,
• address project shortfalls by identifying technical expertise, opportunities for funding, and connections across partner organizations,
• coordinate meetings,
• identify opportunities to improve the Partnership by engaging with participating organizations and recruiting new partners,
• develop a Partnership communications plan.

Candidates from the Urban Waters Federal Partnership member agencies and departments will be considered. Local knowledge of the Los Angeles River Watershed is a plus. EPA will pay salary for this position. EPA cannot pay for relocation expenses. During the selection process, other options for covering these expenses will be explored in discussion with the Ambassador’s home agency.

To Learn More and To Apply:

John Kemmerer, Associate Director, Water Division, U.S. EPA, in Los Angeles is available to answer questions and provide more detail on the scope of responsibilities for this position. Federal Partnership members with candidate recommendations and/or candidates should notify Mr. Kemmerer by January 23, 2012 by phone at 213-244-1832 or vog.apenull@nhoJ.reremmeK.

This Tree City USA is endowed with a large population of trees composed of magnificent native and non-native trees on public and private properties, and trees are one of the cities greatest natural resources.  A community of approximately 64,000 residents, Palo Alto is a global center of technology and innovation where many world class businesses have established corporate headquarters.  The ideal candidate for Urban Forester will be an assertive and pro-active professional arborist that will embrace the significant amount of civic engagement that takes place frequently in the City of Palo Altoand surrounds the topic of trees.  The Urban Forester will have strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and have a unique combination of people skills and technical expertise.  The annual salary for the Urban Forester will be dependent upon qualifications and certifications.  The City also offers a comprehensive benefit package including CalPERS Retirement 2% @ 60 with single highest year.  The City may consider a moving/relocation package for the selected candidate.  Requires seven (7) years of directly related experience, including two (2) years of prior supervisory experience.  A Bachelor’s degree in Arboricultural Sciences, Urban Forestry, or a closely related field.  Candidates must possess an active Arborist Certificate from the International Society of Arboriculture. 

Apply by Friday, December 30, 2011. For a detailed brochure or confidential inquiries contact Ms. Heather Renschler at (916) 630-4900.  Electronic submittals should be sent via email to moc.nesrednahplarnull@ylppa.

The Hollywood/LA Beautification Team (HBT), Koreatown Youth & Community Center (KYCC), Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC), Northeast Trees (NET) are co-hosting a local tree planting event to celebrate the multiple job creation and community health benefits that have been realized through projects completed by the four non-profit groups.  The projects  are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  The tree plantings will be conducted by students, volunteers and organizational staff.  Numerous elected officials have been invited to attend and participate.   The event will take place at the Foshay Learning Center, located at Western Ave and Exposition Blvd. on Monday December 5th at 9am.

The goals of the American Recovery and Reinvest Act were to create new jobs, save existing ones, spur economic activity, and invest in long-term growth.  Combined, these four groups received over $1.6 million in ARRA grants administered by California ReLeaf in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.  These grants have supported more than 34,000 employment hours contributed to the LA work force by teaching green job skills to at-risk youth and cleaning the county’s air and water through the planting, care and maintenance of over 21,000 trees since April, 2010.  The Foshay Learning Center tree-planting embodies all of the goals of the ARRA and further demonstrates the need to sustain these efforts after the ARRA projects have been completed.

Community Trees Advocate at The Morton Arboretum

The Community Trees Advocate (CTA) provides assistance for civic leaders, public officials, arborists, park districts, and community groups who seek to foster healthy and sustainable urban and community forests. The CTA helps these groups improve tree health and management practices to enhance the health, beauty, and livability of their communities by sharing the Arboretum’s knowledge and information resources about the selection, nurture, maintenance, and value of trees.

Job Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in forestry, biology, botany, horticulture, environmental sciences, or related field, and the interest and ability to combine a strong scientific foundation with community outreach. A keen interest in the integrity and health of the urban forest, strong communication skills along with a proven record of public presentation activities are required. At least two years of experience in urban and community forestry is highly desirable.  A full description of job qualifications is available at http://www.mortonarb.org/open-positions.html

If interested, please forward letter and resume, or application, and salary requirements to The Morton Arboretum, Human Resources, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, 60532-1293, or email to: gro.branotromnull@sboj.  The Morton Arboretum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.