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 Kemmerer.John@epa.gov.

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 apply@ralphandersen.com.

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: jobs@mortonarb.org.  The Morton Arboretum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.

Applications must be postmarked by December 5th, 2011 (CST).

Download the program application here.

Download the host city application here.

The $750,000 grant to this San Jose-based non-profit will implement the initial phase of Our City Forest’s 100K Trees Project — an initiative to plant 100,000 trees throughout the city. Project work includes galvanizing citywide support, providing urban forestry outreach and education and creating a job training program for about 200 at-risk young people. In addition, the grant will support the planting of 4,000 trees and the pruning of an additional 4,000 trees.

Finally, the grant includes funding to assist the start up of a tree nursery where Our City Forest will soon begin cultivating up to 5,000 trees annually on donated land.

Fast Facts for the Our City Forest ARRA Grant

Jobs created: 21

Jobs Retained: 2

Trees Planted: 1,076

Trees Maintained: 3,323

Job Hours Contributed to 2010 Work Force: 11,440

Lasting legacy: Once completed, this project will have provided critical training in the green jobs sector for Bay Area at-risk youth while also creating a healthier, cleaner, and more livable environment for both San Jose residents and visitors.

In addition to helping low-income neighborhoods with such benefits as cleaner air and shade, the job training component of this program will ultimately impact the high unemployment rate in San José, where it remains at over 12 percent.

– Misty Mersich, Program Manager, Our City Forest.

Carrie Gallagher has been named Executive Director of Alliance for Community Trees (ACT), effective April 4, 2011, announced Ray Tretheway, President of ACT’s Board of Directors. ACT is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and livability of cities by planting and caring for trees. With nearly 200 local affiliates in 41 states, ACT is a national leader in creating greener, cleaner, and healthier communities.  Read more.

North East Trees (NET) is seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, visionary leader to fill the position of Executive Director (ED). North East Trees is a community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization) founded in 1989 by Mr. Scott Wilson. Serving the greater Los Angeles area, our Mission is: “To restore nature’s services in resource challenged communities, through a collaborative resource development, implementation, and stewardship process.”

Five Core Programs implement the NET Mission:

* Urban Forestry Program.

* Parks Design and Build Program.

* Watershed Rehabilitation Program.

* Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) Program.

* Community Stewardship Program.

OPPORTUNITY

Lead, develop and manage NET, raise and allocate funds to meet programmatic and organizational goals, as set with the Board of Directors, represent the organization publicly and in business negotiations, manage and motivate staff, and work to enhance NET’s success within the community. Candidates should have a distinguished record in leading organizations and working effectively with staff, boards and stakeholders. Special consideration given to candidates with a demonstrated commitment to environmental protection, urban greening and/or forestry issues.

The ED will 1) manage and grow NET’s budget and financial reserves 2) communicate with donors, 3) develop grant proposals, 4) maintain foundation relations, 5) develop the corporate donor program, 6) manage and develop NET’s programs, 7) be spokesperson and liaison with public sector agencies, government representatives, foundations, community and partner organizations and businesses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership:

* In collaboration with the Board of Directors, refine and expand NET’s vision, mission, budget, annual goals and objectives.

* Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board. This includes developing a strategic plan for programmatic and community outreach and development.

* Build and manage an effective executive team.

* Actively participate in Board meetings as a non-voting member.

* Annually prepare and provide to the Board of Directors, and other applicable bodies, summary reports of programs and services, including recommendations for future improvement and change.

Fundraising:

* Develop government and foundation grant proposals and other fund raising activities.

* Develop individual donors, corporate donations and organize appropriate events.

* Identify potential new initiatives and partnerships to build on NET’s base within the community.

* Generate revenue for specific programs and the organization as a whole.

Financial Management:

* Draft and monitor the execution of an annual budget.

* Manage cash flow.

* Ensure proper fiscal accounting and controls in accordance with funding source guidelines and sound accounting practices.

* Develop and maintain financial practices and ensure the organization operates within clear budget guidelines.

Operational Management:

* Manage the day-to day operations and staff of NET.

* Foster a team work environment among staff.

* Monitor programs, projects, and budgets.

* Effectively allocate resources.

* Maintain a productive and supportive work environment that mentors, nurtures and enables staff to reach their potential while enabling NET to enhance its ability to achieve its objectives.

* Effectively inspire and lead the hundreds of volunteers on which NET relies to fulfill its mission.

Community Engagement and Development:

* Represent NET publicly at conferences, meetings, and workshops.

* Work constructively with the community, staff and Board to foster activities and expand community involvement.

* Develop and maintain partnerships with other organizations and community members.

* Promote broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization.

* Establish sound working relationships and collaborations with community groups and organizations involved in reaching program goals.

Program Development:

* Lead development and implementation of programs that make NET’s common vision to preserve, protect and enhance the environment a reality.

* Represent the programs and POV of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.

* Grow programs and services to ensure consistency with mission and goals.

* Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of urban forestry, landscape design, and construction.

* Monitor programs and services to ensure consistency with criteria established by funding sources and the mission and goals of the organization.

* Ensure job descriptions are developed, regular performance evaluations are held, and sound human resource practices are in place.

Qualifications

* Extensive experience in leading and cultivating donors, volunteers, staff and organizations, which may be gained through a combination of professional experience and education.

* Excellent leadership and communication skills, an understanding of the collaborative nature of NET, knowledge of fundraising and development, and extensive experience working with not-for-profits.

* Excellent management skills, and demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and direct program and administrative staff and NET broad base of volunteers and interns.

* Demonstrated success in managing fiscal, technical and human resources.

* Substantiated record of successful fund raising from a variety of sources, including but not limited to corporate, government, foundation, direct mail, major donor campaigns and events.

* Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

* Ability to analyze and resolve issues quickly and make good decisions in a collaborative culture.

* Demonstrated ability to consistently, effectively, and tactfully communicate with people at many levels.

* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

* Proven project management skills.

* Extensive leadership experience (7 or more years) in not-for-profit or equivalent management.

* B.A./B.S. required; advanced degree highly desirable.

* Greening, leading volunteer based organization(s) and local policy experience a plus.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience.

Closing Date: March 15, 2011, or until the position is filled

TO APPLY

Applicants should submit a résumé not to exceed 3 pages and a letter of interest not to exceed 2 pages to jobs@northeasttrees.org.

Current Executive Director Alice Ewen has accepted a new and exciting career opportunity with the US Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program in Washington, D.C. in February. Now, ACT seeks an entrepreneurial, creative leader who is passionate about the environment and is a strong champion of local, on-the-ground action to create cleaner, greener and healthier communities. The position is based in Washington, DC.

For the full position description, click here.