JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Tree Care Associate
Join our team and help Boston’s trees thrive!
Founded in 2018, Speak for the Trees is an urban and community forestry nonprofit in Boston focused on improving the size, health, and equity of Boston’s urban forest. The organization works closely with community groups and residents to transform the urban landscape, its environment, and the relationships between trees and people. At the core of SFTT’s values is that all residents deserve the multiple health, environmental, and social benefits that trees provide and that all residents have the power to plant a better future for themselves and Boston. SFTT also views trees as a tool to unpack and dismantle decades of racial, environmental, social, and economic injustice. We envision a city with a healthy tree canopy, one that takes into account issues of racial, economic, and environmental inequities.
The Tree Care Associate’s job is to water and care for trees planted by the organization and, in collaboration with the City of Boston, may be asked to water and care for additional trees managed by the city. They will have access to a company pickup truck outfitted with a watering tank, pump, and a trailer. In addition to caring for trees, they will maintain the condition, organization, and inventory of the organization’s tools and equipment, such as but not limited to shovels and watering bags.
They will also assist with tree plantings and giveaway events and will participate in the creation of training for community training and volunteer tree care activities; they may take the lead on some of these activities with the right capacity. They will check in regularly with SFTT staff and participate in SFTT’s weekly meetings, including but not limited to all-staff meetings, for collaboration and to learn about the progress of other SFTT projects. Their work will be supported by current staff. The Tree Care Associate will be under the management of the Community Tree Specialist.
A pdf version of the job description can be downloaded here.
Essential Functions:
- Regular watering of trees planted by the organization
- Tracking and reporting of trees watered
- Assisting with tree health evaluation
- Assisting at tree planting and giveaway events
- Assisting at volunteer tree stewardship events
- Regular maintenance of equipment, including, but not limited to, the pickup truck, watering tank, and tools
- Assess for risks and report any challenges encountered so as to work collaboratively to problem solve
Requirements:
- Valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Ability to lift 50 lbs on a regular basis
- Experience in tree planting and basic tree care
Skills:
- Strong communication skills
- Commitment to tree equity and social, racial, and environmental justice
- Ability to take the initiative and be a self-starter
- Detailed-oriented and organized
- Ability to communicate in one or more non-English languages commonly spoken in Boston preferred (strongly preferred but not required)
Salary: $25/hour + retirement and health benefits + paid time off. This position is a seasonal position 30-35 hours per week for 6 months.
How to Apply
We are currently accepting applications. The application period will stay open until the position is filled.
Please submit the following:
- One-page cover letter as a PDF or hard copy addressed to MarS McCormick, Associate Director.
- One-page resume with three references, either as a PDF or hard copy.
Please send your resume & cover letter to:
Speak for the Trees
60 Clayton Street, #201
Dorchester MA 02122
OR email [email protected]
If sending by email, please include your last name and “Tree Care Associate Job Application” in the subject line.
Questions?: Call 617-398-7409 or email David Meshoulam at [email protected]
Speak for the Trees is rooted in the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and
is committed to building a team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives, & skills.
Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
