Forest Assistant

Forest Assistant Job Description 2025

The Forest Assistant works with the Forest Manager to implement all BGS Forest Patch and Forest related programs. The Forest Assistant serves an integral role in supporting our mission by providing technical, educational, and outreach support to site leaders, as well as by spearheading BGS workshops and events to increase outreach. The Forest Assistant provides ongoing support to forest patch sites, conducts forest analysis and research, offers technical assistance, helps build the forest stewardship networks, leads regular service days, and supports the Forest Manager in projects as necessary. The Forest Assistant works with the team in meeting organizational goals to increase neighborhood participation in community forest activities; and builds a network of partners supporting the forest stewardship network.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Program Management

• Support the Forest Manager in coordinating all aspects of the forest stewardship network
• Participates regularly in field work and community outreach
• Serves as BGS representative at community events (e.g. Volunteer workshops, educational events or community gatherings) by coordinating, scheduling, and giving presentations or informal talks regarding the BGS forest program, and forest ecology in Baltimore.
• Consult with site leaders to develop site support plans and provide ongoing technical and site support with the guidance of the Forest Manager
• Provide support to the Forest Manager to develop and facilitate 12-18 environmental education events per year with support from other staff
• With guidance, provides support for outreach implementation strategies to increase community involvement in forests, workshop attendance, and awareness of forest patch work
• Analyze forest areas and data on forest areas and work with scientist partners to make recommendations about forest care strategies
• Provides excellent customer service when dealing with the public as a BGS representative
• Regularly inputs and updates data in database
• Produces maps and other technical reports and materials as requested

The Forest Assistant does not have any direct reports however, they are expected to support the work of the Forest Manager in:

• Designing and coordinating volunteer management strategy to support forests
• Managing volunteer groups in the forests
• Coordinating with partner non-profit organizations to develop effective support programming for sites and stewards

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Wildlife biology, Forestry or Forest Science, or related field
• Minimum 1 years’ experience in field of study
• Minimum 1 years’ experience applied research working in forests or other natural area Experience with online and in person presentation development and execution.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Experience with print and web communication.
• Must have transportation and be willing to work some nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift 50lbs
• Willingness to work outdoors doing physical work in varying weather
• Willingness to work with a variety of community partners

Personal Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
• Excellent project management skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet short- and long-term deadlines without sacrificing quality
• Excellent judgment, independent decision-making, and organizational skills
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Collaborative problem solving and strong work ethic
• Ability to make careful decisions that involve others
• Great interpersonal and negotiation skills

Preferred/Bonus

• Familiarity with concepts in forest ecology, and wildlife management techniques.
• Working knowledge of Baltimore City history, particularly within the context of racial inequity and social justice.

Salary and Benefits

Salary and benefits are competitive for a non-profit organization. Salary is commensurate with education and experience, <$45,000. Staff Benefits include Employer Sponsored (Medical, Dental); Retirement Plan; Winter Break, and paid Holidays (10) and Vacation (15 days), Sick days (10).

Job Type: Full-time