Position Summary
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.

This is a full-time, exempt, non-hybrid position that requires flexibility for weekend work, primarily during the planting seasons (April–May and September–November), as well as occasional evening hours and adjusted start and end times throughout the year.

The essential duties of this position are currently supported by grant funding and are anticipated to continue through Spring 2027. However, as funding priorities and program needs evolve, the scope of the Forestry Specialist role may change, and certain responsibilities may be modified, reassigned, or phased out over time.

The Forestry Specialist reports to the Director of Conservation Workforce.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Apprentice Supervision and Training
● Train, oversee, and guide arborist apprentices by providing clear direction, regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work culture.
● Ensure all crew members adhere to ANSI safety standards.
● Assist with teaching apprentices related technical instruction and on-the-job training, including tree establishment maintenance, tree biology, tree identification, soils, pruning & chainsaw operation.
● Provide support and encouragement for apprentices throughout the 3-year program.
Fieldwork and Operations
● Create weekly and monthly schedules in coordination with the Forestry team, fee-for-service projects, and other assigned work orders.
● Plan and lead urban forestry work projects, including tree planting and maintenance. Stay up to date with urban forestry and arboricultural best practices.
● Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles; manage inventory and supplies.
● Drive vehicles (with or without trailers) and operate other motorized equipment incidental to the performance of duties.
Workforce and Partner Engagement
● Support conservation workforce efforts through partner engagement, career pathway development, and apprenticeship program coordination.
● Present and publicly speak about programs to coworkers, partner organizations, and the public.
● Coordinate activities, courses and trainings with program partners and contractors.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
Education, Skills and Abilities:
● High School Diploma or GED
● Outdoor work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, ecological restoration, biology, environmental science, landscaping, or a closely related field
● Experience leading groups, mentoring individuals and/or leading workdays.
● Ability to identify common Midwest and urban tree species and associated pests, diseases, and environmental factors that affect young trees.
● Knowledge of arboriculture and ability to obtain ISA certification, if not already certified.
● Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds repeatedly and ability to stand, crouch, and perform several types of manual labor. Must be able to pass physical.
● Valid State of Illinois Pesticide Applicators License.
● Valid Illinois Driver’s License and reliable transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment, along with a clean driving record.
● Ability to drive large vehicles (non-CDL) both in the city and on local highways.
● Computer literacy including ability to use programs such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
● Ability to effectively manage activities calmly and professionally.
● Effectively work under minimal supervision.
● Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
● Positive attitude and enthusiasm for trees, nature and connecting Chicago region residents in all community areas to the natural world.

Compensation:
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.

Work Environment:
Office is ADA accessible. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer. This role requires manual labor- standing, bending, crouching, lifting.
Ability to perform duties in a variety of outdoor conditions and weather, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Openlands is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Openlands does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Openlands is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

About Openlands
Since 1963, Openlands has been a leader in land conservation in northeastern Illinois. As one of the oldest and most successful metropolitan-based conservation organizations in the United States, we have helped secure over 71,000 acres of open space for parks, forest preserves, greenways, and urban gardens. Our mission is to connect people to nature where they live, and to ensure that open space is protected for generations to come.