<div><p> The Forestry Specialist supports field-based forestry operations and conservation workforce initiatives at Openlands.  This hands-on leadership role combines urban forestry fieldwork, training, and apprentice mentorship, while contributing to broader workforce development activities and partner engagement.  </p><p><br></p><p>This is a non-hybrid, full-time exempt position that requires flexibility with weekend work primarily but not limited to the planting seasons (April-May &amp; September-November), other start/end times, and evenings during the year.  The Forestry Specialist reports to the Director of Conservation Workforce.   </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Essential Functions &amp; Responsibilities:</strong> </p><p><strong>Apprentice Supervision &amp; Training</strong> </p><ul><li>Train, oversee, and guide arborist apprentices by providing clear direction, regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture. </li><li>Ensure all crew members adhere to ANSI safety standards.   </li><li>Assist with teaching apprentices related technical instruction and on-the-job training, including tree establishment maintenance, tree biology, tree identification, soils, pruning &amp; chainsaw operation. </li><li>Provide support and encouragement for apprentices throughout the 3-year program.  </li></ul><p><strong>Fieldwork &amp; Operations</strong> </p><ul><li>Create weekly and monthly schedules in coordination with the Forestry team, fee-for-service projects, and other assigned work orders.   </li><li>Plan and lead urban forestry work projects, including tree planting and maintenance. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices. </li><li>Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles; manage inventory and supplies. </li><li>Drive vehicles (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties. </li></ul><p><strong>Workforce</strong> <strong>&amp; Partner Engagement</strong> </p><ul><li>Support conservation workforce efforts through partner engagement, career pathway development, and apprenticeship program coordination. </li><li>Present and publicly speak about programs to coworkers, partner organizations, and the public. </li><li>Coordinate activities, courses and trainings with program partners and contractors. </li><li>Perform other duties as assigned.   </li></ul></div><div><p> <strong>Education, Skills &amp; Abilities:</strong> </p><ul><li>High School Diploma or GED </li><li>Outdoor work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, ecological restoration, biology, environmental science, landscaping, or a closely related field </li><li>Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays.   </li><li>Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species and associated pests, diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees.  </li><li>Knowledge of arboriculture and ability to obtain ISA certification, if not already certified.   </li><li>Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor.  </li><li>Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment, along with a clean driving record. </li><li>Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) both in the city and on local highways. </li><li>Computer literacy including ability to use programs such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. </li><li>Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally.  </li><li>Effectively work under minimal supervision.  </li><li>Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. </li><li>Positive attitude and enthusiasm for trees, nature and connecting Chicago region residents in all community areas to the natural world.  </li></ul><p><strong>Compensation:</strong>  </p><p>Salary range: $57,000–$61,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays!</p><p><br></p><p><strong>APPLY TODAY! </strong>Cover letter and Resume required</p></div><div>Job Type</div><div>Full-time</div><div><p> The Forestry Specialist supports field-based forestry operations and conservation workforce initiatives at Openlands.  This hands-on leadership role combines urban forestry fieldwork, training, and apprentice mentorship, while contributing to broader workforce development activities and partner engagement.  </p><p><br></p><p>This is a non-hybrid, full-time exempt position that requires flexibility with weekend work primarily but not limited to the planting seasons (April-May &amp; September-November), other start/end times, and evenings during the year.  The Forestry Specialist reports to the Director of Conservation Workforce.   </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Essential Functions &amp; Responsibilities:</strong> </p><p><strong>Apprentice Supervision &amp; Training</strong> </p><ul><li>Train, oversee, and guide arborist apprentices by providing clear direction, regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture. </li><li>Ensure all crew members adhere to ANSI safety standards.   </li><li>Assist with teaching apprentices related technical instruction and on-the-job training, including tree establishment maintenance, tree biology, tree identification, soils, pruning &amp; chainsaw operation. </li><li>Provide support and encouragement for apprentices throughout the 3-year program.  </li></ul><p><strong>Fieldwork &amp; Operations</strong> </p><ul><li>Create weekly and monthly schedules in coordination with the Forestry team, fee-for-service projects, and other assigned work orders.   </li><li>Plan and lead urban forestry work projects, including tree planting and maintenance. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices. </li><li>Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles; manage inventory and supplies. </li><li>Drive vehicles (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties. </li></ul><p><strong>Workforce</strong> <strong>&amp; Partner Engagement</strong> </p><ul><li>Support conservation workforce efforts through partner engagement, career pathway development, and apprenticeship program coordination. </li><li>Present and publicly speak about programs to coworkers, partner organizations, and the public. </li><li>Coordinate activities, courses and trainings with program partners and contractors. </li><li>Perform other duties as assigned.   </li></ul></div><div><p> <strong>Education, Skills &amp; Abilities:</strong> </p><ul><li>High School Diploma or GED </li><li>Outdoor work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, ecological restoration, biology, environmental science, landscaping, or a closely related field </li><li>Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays.   </li><li>Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species and associated pests, diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees.  </li><li>Knowledge of arboriculture and ability to obtain ISA certification, if not already certified.   </li><li>Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor.  </li><li>Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment, along with a clean driving record. </li><li>Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) both in the city and on local highways. </li><li>Computer literacy including ability to use programs such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. </li><li>Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally.  </li><li>Effectively work under minimal supervision.  </li><li>Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. </li><li>Positive attitude and enthusiasm for trees, nature and connecting Chicago region residents in all community areas to the natural world.  </li></ul><p><strong>Compensation:</strong>  </p><p>Salary range: $57,000–$61,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays!</p><p><br></p><p><strong>APPLY TODAY! </strong>Cover letter and Resume required</p></div><div>Job Type</div><div>Full-time</div><div>Salary Description</div><div>$57,000–$61,000 per year</div>

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<div id="ember55" class="ember-view organization-about-module__content-consistant-cards-description"><span class="lt-line-clamp__raw-line">As innovative protectors and stewards of the land since 1963, Openlands exists to create access to nature for all. Through local alliances, forward vision, and persistent action, Openlands connects and leads conservation work, serving as a guiding voice for communities, organizations, and more effective policy in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.</span></div>
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Forestry Specialist

<div><p>&nbsp;The Forestry Specialist supports field-based forestry operations and conservation workforce initiatives at Openlands.&nbsp; This hands-on leadership role combines urban forestry fieldwork, training, and apprentice mentorship, while contributing to broader workforce development activities and partner engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>This is a non-hybrid, full-time exempt position that requires flexibility with weekend work primarily but not limited to the planting seasons (April-May &amp; September-November), other start/end times, and evenings during the year.&nbsp; The Forestry Specialist reports to the Director of Conservation Workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Essential Functions &amp; Responsibilities:</strong>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Apprentice Supervision &amp; Training</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Train, oversee, and guide arborist apprentices by providing clear direction, regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure all crew members adhere to ANSI safety standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assist with teaching apprentices related technical instruction and on-the-job training, including tree establishment maintenance, tree biology, tree identification, soils, pruning &amp; chainsaw operation.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide support and encouragement for apprentices throughout the 3-year program.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Fieldwork &amp; Operations</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Create weekly and monthly schedules in coordination with the Forestry team, fee-for-service projects, and other assigned work orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Plan and lead urban forestry work projects, including tree planting and maintenance. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices.&nbsp;</li><li>Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles; manage inventory and supplies.&nbsp;</li><li>Drive vehicles (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Workforce</strong> <strong>&amp; Partner Engagement</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Support conservation workforce efforts through partner engagement, career pathway development, and apprenticeship program coordination.&nbsp;</li><li>Present and publicly speak about programs to coworkers, partner organizations, and the public.&nbsp;</li><li>Coordinate activities, courses and trainings with program partners and contractors.&nbsp;</li><li>Perform other duties as assigned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><p>&nbsp;<strong>Education, Skills &amp; Abilities:</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>High School Diploma or GED&nbsp;</li><li>Outdoor work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, ecological restoration, biology, environmental science, landscaping, or a closely related field&nbsp;</li><li>Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species and associated pests, diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Knowledge of arboriculture and ability to obtain ISA certification, if not already certified.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment, along with a clean driving record.&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) both in the city and on local highways.&nbsp;</li><li>Computer literacy including ability to use programs such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally. &nbsp;</li><li>Effectively work under minimal supervision.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.&nbsp;</li><li>Positive attitude and enthusiasm for trees, nature and connecting Chicago region residents in all community areas to the natural world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Compensation:</strong> &nbsp;</p><p>Salary range: $57,000–$61,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays!</p><p><br></p><p><strong>APPLY TODAY! </strong>Cover letter and Resume required</p></div><div>Job Type</div><div>Full-time</div><div><p>&nbsp;The Forestry Specialist supports field-based forestry operations and conservation workforce initiatives at Openlands.&nbsp; This hands-on leadership role combines urban forestry fieldwork, training, and apprentice mentorship, while contributing to broader workforce development activities and partner engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>This is a non-hybrid, full-time exempt position that requires flexibility with weekend work primarily but not limited to the planting seasons (April-May &amp; September-November), other start/end times, and evenings during the year.&nbsp; The Forestry Specialist reports to the Director of Conservation Workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Essential Functions &amp; Responsibilities:</strong>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Apprentice Supervision &amp; Training</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Train, oversee, and guide arborist apprentices by providing clear direction, regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure all crew members adhere to ANSI safety standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assist with teaching apprentices related technical instruction and on-the-job training, including tree establishment maintenance, tree biology, tree identification, soils, pruning &amp; chainsaw operation.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide support and encouragement for apprentices throughout the 3-year program.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Fieldwork &amp; Operations</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Create weekly and monthly schedules in coordination with the Forestry team, fee-for-service projects, and other assigned work orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Plan and lead urban forestry work projects, including tree planting and maintenance. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices.&nbsp;</li><li>Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles; manage inventory and supplies.&nbsp;</li><li>Drive vehicles (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Workforce</strong> <strong>&amp; Partner Engagement</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Support conservation workforce efforts through partner engagement, career pathway development, and apprenticeship program coordination.&nbsp;</li><li>Present and publicly speak about programs to coworkers, partner organizations, and the public.&nbsp;</li><li>Coordinate activities, courses and trainings with program partners and contractors.&nbsp;</li><li>Perform other duties as assigned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><p>&nbsp;<strong>Education, Skills &amp; Abilities:</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>High School Diploma or GED&nbsp;</li><li>Outdoor work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, ecological restoration, biology, environmental science, landscaping, or a closely related field&nbsp;</li><li>Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species and associated pests, diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Knowledge of arboriculture and ability to obtain ISA certification, if not already certified.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment, along with a clean driving record.&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) both in the city and on local highways.&nbsp;</li><li>Computer literacy including ability to use programs such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.&nbsp;</li><li>Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally. &nbsp;</li><li>Effectively work under minimal supervision.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.&nbsp;</li><li>Positive attitude and enthusiasm for trees, nature and connecting Chicago region residents in all community areas to the natural world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Compensation:</strong> &nbsp;</p><p>Salary range: $57,000–$61,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays!</p><p><br></p><p><strong>APPLY TODAY! </strong>Cover letter and Resume required</p></div><div>Job Type</div><div>Full-time</div><div>Salary Description</div><div>$57,000–$61,000 per year</div>

Forestry Specialist

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Openlands

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