The NJ Tree Foundation is seeking 1-2 Program Assistants for its Renaissance Trees Program. The Program Assistant will work directly with the NJ Tree Foundation’s Program Director to implement community-based tree planting projects in Newark and other cities during the fall of 2021 (October-November). Several plantings will be held on Saturdays.
The job is part-time at 3-4/hours per planting day, including travel time to the planting site, and will pay $15/hour. The job will start in October and finish in November. Potential total hours for the Fall 2021 season is approximately 25-30 hours.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Program Assistant will be responsible for traveling to and from the site. Work locations will vary throughout Newark and nearby cities, and be provided to the Program Assistant in advance. The primary duties of the Program Assistant is to meet the Program Director at the planting site at 8AM or earlier to assist with offloading and placing trees, assisting with the planting demonstration, and supervising volunteers. The Program Assistant must have their own transportation. Examples of duties in the field include:
Offloading 12-15’ trees (Up to 600 lbs)
Digging holes
Planting trees
Laying mulch
Coordinating volunteers
The Program Assistant will be required to ensure volunteers are following all COVID-19 protocols that the NJ Tree Foundation has implemented to protect staff and volunteers. This includes wearing a mask at all times, practicing social distancing where possible, sanitizing hands, and using clean gloves. The Program Assistant will also be expected to follow these protocols as well, and will assist with distributing masks and gloves, if necessary, and sanitizing tools at the end of the planting.
Required Skills and Experience
The NJ Tree Foundation is seeking a hard working and reliable individual that enjoys working outside, coordinating community projects, and can manage volunteers. The applicant must work well with diverse populations, have an interest in tree planting, landscaping, and/or environmental work, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all they do. Previous tree planting experience is helpful but not required.
How to Apply
Please send a resume to Crystal Wessel via email at cwessel@njtreefoundation.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Questions can be directed to Crystal at (609) 439-1755.
More about the NJ Tree Foundation
The NJ Tree Foundation is a state-wide non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees in New Jersey’s most urban communities, where the need is the greatest. Since 2006, the NJ Tree Foundation has been planting trees in the City of Newark through its Renaissance Trees Program. The Program’s mission is two-fold: to improve the environment of inner-city neighborhoods while empowering Newark residents to make positive changes in their own communities. For more information, please visit www.njtrees.org, www.facebook.com/NJTrees, or www.twitter.com/NJTrees.