Director of Planting

ABOUT TACOMA TREE FOUNDATION (TTF)

TTF is a growing non-profit organization committed to growing stewardship of the urban forest across Greater Tacoma through planting, education, and advocacy. Tacoma Tree Foundation deeply values the diversity of the greater Tacoma community and is committed to being an anti-racist organization with an institutional culture grounded in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). More information is available at www.TacomaTreeFoundation.org.

TTF's Planting Program takes an equity-centered approach to tree planting and community engagement, focusing on the neighborhoods where trees will have the greatest social and environmental impact. Through partnerships with local governments like City of Tacoma and Pierce County, we are able to deliver neighborhood-based programming like Green Blocks, which centers neighborhoods with low tree equity. Meanwhile, our “tree share” program offers free trees and shrubs for more residents interested in planting at home. The Planting Program is committed to ensuring tree survivability wherever possible. To this end, we offer several tree care and arboricultural trainings throughout the year, as well as opportunities for volunteers to deepen their knowledge and level of involvement in the program.

General Expectations

The Director of Planting is the leader of the Planting program and should embody the following expectations and characteristics:

• A collaborative and inclusive approach
• Compassion and respect for others, including an attitude of cultural humility
• Willingness to learn and to contribute
• A commitment to service and community
• The ability to work in and create a positive team environment
• Interest and experience working with trees, greening, and environmental sustainability

Job Description

The Director of Planting leads our planting program efforts by managing and developing grant and contract relationships, supervising a staff team of 3–6 people, and directing a growing program of tree planting, distribution, maintenance, educational, and outreach activities. The role involves the proactive planning and management of the multiple government and non-government contract relationships, representing TTF in the community, development and implementation of tree care and arboricultural trainings, and overseeing a program budget of approximately $400,000. This is a permanent position with hybrid scheduling and frequent evening and weekend hours.

Essential Job Functions

• Direct the planting program and all associated activities, from tree distribution, planting, and maintenance to technical education and community engagement.
• Identify tree planting opportunities and direct related projects, sharing resources related to trees and greening and assisting community members with planting and maintenance activities.
• Plan and implement projects, managing and collaborating with a team of 3–6 program staff and 200+ volunteers.
• Direct a program of culturally sensitive and place-based outreach that meet community needs and interests, leading neighborhood-based meetings when appropriate.
• Communicate with the public about programs and topics related to tree planting, maintenance, and preservation through face-to-face contacts and other media.
• Manage program-related grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements; using quantitative and qualitative data to assess and report progress; and deepening relationships with key partners and constituents.
• Work with the Executive Director to apply for additional grants and contracts in accordance with the TTF Strategic Plan.
• Manage the program budget, tracking expenses and recommending investments.
• Assist with organizational development efforts, such as professional development, fundraising, and policy development.
• Oversee maintenance of equipment (such as truck, trailer, and other tools), plant acquisition, and tree watering at shared nursery facility
• Oversee public watering program to ensure establishment of designated trees in public spaces.
• Seek continued professional development in the areas of urban forestry program management, horticulture, community leadership, and/or related topics.
• Participate in advocacy, education, and other administrative activities, as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills, including ability and desire to present to and build relationships with local residents, community groups, and other partners.
• At least 3 years of planning and management experience in the fields of environment and/or horticulture, with ability to make decisions about priorities and deadlines on multiple projects.
• At least 3 years of experience supervising others, as well as ability to oversee and collaborate with a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to create a positive and supportive team environment, experience mentoring a multigenerational team, and a passion for bringing in volunteers and partners into the work.
• Familiarity with issues and best practices related to urban forestry and community engagement, including a clear understanding of tree coverage as an environmental justice issue.
• Demonstrated commitment to practices of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) at all levels of operations.
• Ability to assess and create effective systems, operations, and procedures, from the technical to the interpersonal.
• Computer skills and familiarity with various computer-based and project-management tools, such as email, calendars, spreadsheets, etc. (especially Google suite, Zoom, and Asana).
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and conduct other physical motions related to moving and transporting materials.
• Arborist’s certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience managing urban forestry programs and associated contracts from public and private funding sources.
• Knowledge of and personal connections within Greater Tacoma’s neighborhoods and communities.
• Knowledge of local urban forest policies, standards, and practices.
• Experience with grassroots community organizing.
• Master’s degree in a related field.

Fluency in a language other than English.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance, with optional access to a health savings account
• Enrollment in a retirement plan, with a 3% match contribution provided by TTF (to begin in the second calendar year of employment).13 paid holidays
• 28 days paid time off (interchangeable sick and personal time)
• Technology stipend of $50/month for work-related expenses such as personal computers, phones, and data services (reimbursable).
• Additional paid time off for bereavement, parental leave, jury duty, or other extenuating circumstances.
• Paid family leave per Washington state law

Fluency in a language other than English is preferred.