Introduction
Five (5) Long Term Contractual Tree Planting Specialist positions for The Forest Service's 5 Million Trees Initiative
GRADE
13
LOCATION OF POSITION
The positions will be part of a diverse, statewide team and will report to field offices with regional forestry staff (locations include Annapolis, Baltimore City, Denton, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, and Preston).
Main Purpose of Job
This position uses independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex
administrative tasks to implement the 5 Million Trees Program as mandated by the Tree
Solutions Now Act of 2021. It provides outreach and technical support to plan, plant,
maintain, and manage trees in urban and rural areas, delivering affordable trees on public and
private lands to expand tree canopy and improve human health. Tasks include developing
and delivering outreach, coordinating legal and logistic needs for securing landowner
commitments, interacting with multiple agencies and partners on planning and managing
projects, procuring goods and services, coordinating contractors, volunteers, and partners for
events and projects, assessing tree survival, organizing tree protection, maintenance, and
management needs, and tracking tree planting outcomes. It supports seed collection for the
tree nursery including volunteer events, and GIS tasks such as targeting programs and
mapping progress. This position contributes directly to the Maryland Forest Service’s
mission to restore, manage, and protect Maryland’s trees, forests, and forested ecosystems to
sustain our natural resources and connect people to the land.
POSITION DUTIES
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Maryland Forest Service, is currently accepting applications for five (5) Tree Planting Specialists to support the implementation of the 5 Million Trees Initiative, a 9-year program established by the 2021 Tree Solutions Now Act. Position swill perform outreach to community groups and landowners, provide technical assistance to accomplish tree planting projects, complete site inventories and reporting tasks, and support the continued care and management of newly established trees and forests. Work may include tree seed collection with volunteers or staff. Projects will be on public and private land, and cover urban and rural settings. Particular focus will be placed on overburdened and underserved communities where the establishment of trees can lead to a wide range of public health and environmental benefits. The positions will be part of a diverse, statewide team and will report to field offices with regional forestry staff (locations in Annapolis, Baltimore City, Denton, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, and Preston).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: One year of administrative staff or professional work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
Six (6) months of experience with tree planting, paid or volunteer.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience working for a professional forestry, silviculture, or arboriculture company
● Experience coordinating with nonprofits and/or local government, including managing volunteers
● Experience with databases and spreadsheets
● Knowledge of plant identification, including non-native invasive species and their control
● Skills in use of GIS systems
● Experience with outreach or marketing
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.
Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.
If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division
Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Courtney Blackistone at courtney.blackistone@maryland.gov.
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.