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Every spring and fall, hundreds of volunteers join forces with the NJ Tree Foundation and our community partners to dig holes, plant trees, lay mulch, and have fun at tree planting events.

Volunteer

All volunteer tree planting events are held rain or shine. Volunteers are asked to arrive no later than 9 am, though you can come as early as 8:45 am to help set up for the event. Plantings are typically finished by noon. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and wear clothes you can get dirty. Tools, gloves, water, and planting instructions are provided by the NJ Tree Foundation staff.
Volunteers must sign up in advance.
Upcoming Events

Additional Ways to Help at Our Events:

  • Take pictures and/or video at our tree planting events
  • Signing in volunteers at tree planting events
  • Capture testimonials from residents and volunteers
  • Assist with our free tree giveaway events
    • For information about becoming a volunteer in South Jersey
    Crystal Wessel,
    South Jersey Program Director
    856-287-4488
    cwessel@njtreefoundation.org
    For information about becoming a volunteer in North Jersey
    Elena Messina,
    North Jersey Program Director
    609-439-1755
    emessina@njtreefoundation.org
    For information about becoming a volunteer in Central Jersey
    Mike Sherr,
    Central Jersey Program Director
    609-781-4886
    msherr@njtreefoundation.org
    For information about becoming a volunteer in the Shore Towns
    Felix Peters,
    Shore Towns Program Director
    609-781-9006
    fpeters@njtreefoundation.org

    Jobs & Scholarships

    Program Director

    We are seeking a Program Director to help us develop a new program area for community-based tree plantings in cities in the central part of New Jersey. As the Program Director, you will be responsible for all aspects of planning and implementing tree planting projects and programs in these cities. The target start date for this position is February 2nd, 2026. This position is contingent upon federal funding and is currently expected to be a three-year term, with the possibility for extension. For more information and instructions on how to apply, please click the link below.
    Learn More

    Community Tree Stewards

    The Tree Stewards will assist the NJ Tree Foundation’s Program Directors with tasks related to our Community Tree Planting programs in the cities we work. We are seeking 2-3 Tree Stewards for each program year-round and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please email your resume and a brief statement of interest to Crystal Wessel (cwessel@njtreefoundation.org) for Central and Southern NJ, or Elena Messina (emessina@njtreefoundation.org) in Northern NJ.
    Learn More

    Scholarships

    The NJ Tree Foundation has received funding to provide scholarships to cover the cost of attending the Garden State Tree Conference on Thursday & Friday February 27 & 28th in Atlantic City.
    Learn More
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    Scholarships

    Through our ‘Planting Environmental Justice One Tree at a Time’ program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, we are offering scholarships to the New Jersey Shade Tree Federation Conference in October, and the Garden State Tree Conference in February. These conferences offer an opportunity for attendees to expand their tree knowledge and meet other industry professionals. No prior experience working in urban and community forestry is required.

    Interested applicants should meet the following requirements:

    • Be over the age of 21
    • Live in a Census Tract identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening tool.
    • Demonstrate an interest in tree stewardship and a desire to share knowledge gained
      through the conference with their community

    Scholarships will cover the cost of conference registration (including light breakfast/lunch), travel, and hotel accommodations. Application information will be made available approximately two months prior to each conference, so please check back regularly!

    For more information, please contact Elena Messina
    (emessina@njtreefoundation.org ) in Northern NJ or Crystal Wessel
    (cwessel@njtreefoundation) in Central and Southern NJ.
    Apply Now

    Community Tree Stewards

    The NJ Tree Foundation is seeking 2-3 Tree Stewards for its Community Tree Planting programs.

    The Tree Stewards will assist the NJ Tree Foundation’s Program Directors with tasks related to our Community Tree Planting programs in each of our core cities: Camden, Trenton, and Newark. Applicants must reside in one of these cities, and will work in the city in which they live. We are seeking 2-3 Tree Stewards for each city for the Fall Winter 2024-25 season. At the end of the season, there will be the possibility for extension into the Spring 2025 season.

    Job Duties and Responsibilities
    The Tree Stewards will be responsible for helping the NJ Tree Foundation to implement new tree planting projects, as well as helping ensure the success of prior projects. Tasks will vary depending on the needs of each program, but may include the following:

    • Collecting data on prior tree planting projects (monitoring health of trees and checking for issues, measuring DBH, taking photos, etc.)
    • Canvassing for tree planting projects
    • Staking recently planted trees
    • Pruning and mulching young trees
    • Removing watering bags/stakes/deer guards from older trees
    • Assisting with tree plantings

    As the tasks will take place at various locations throughout each city, applicants must be able to arrange transportation to each site.

    Required Skills and Experience
    The NJ Tree Foundation is seeking hard working and reliable individuals that enjoy working outside and would like to learn more about urban forestry. The applicant must work well with diverse populations, and have an interest in tree planting

    For more information, or to apply, please contact Elena Messina
    (emessina@njtreefoundation.org ) in Northern NJ or Crystal Wessel
    (cwessel@njtreefoundation) in Central and Southern NJ.

    Program Director Job Announcement

    The New Jersey Tree Foundation is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees in New Jersey’s most underserved neighborhoods, where the need is greatest. Through tree planting, volunteerism, and partnerships, we assist communities in improving their environment and quality of life.

    If this is appealing to you, please consider this opportunity to join us. At the NJ Tree Foundation, we value environmental justice, diversity, collaboration, and finding joy in the work we do. We work from home when we are not in the field, we help each other, and we are committed to quality and best practices. We are looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team.

    We are seeking a Program Director to help us develop a new program area for community-based tree plantings in cities in the central part of New Jersey. As the Program Director, you will be responsible for all aspects of planning and implementing tree planting projects and programs in these cities.

    This position is contingent upon federal funding, and is currently expected to be a three-year term with the potential for extension if funding allows. Please note that if federal funding is rescinded, this position may be subject to termination.

    Job Description

    The Program Director will run this new program - leading tree plantings and organizing volunteers. Job responsibilities include:

    - Find, recruit, and organize community groups, organizations and volunteers to conduct tree plantings.
    - Design and map planting projects, order and receive delivery of trees and planting supplies, ensure quality of trees upon delivery.
    - Supervise volunteers to ensure that trees are planted and mulched correctly in accordance with the highest industry standards.
    - Secure required permits and One-call mark-outs for utilities, coordinate concrete removal where necessary.
    - Maintain photographic records of each project from start to finish, and update and maintain NJTF social media. Contribute narratives & photos to the NJ Tree Foundation annual report.
    - Assist the Executive Director and other Tree Foundation program staff with their tree plantings, maintenance and educational projects and programs.
    - Develop and implement hands-on training programs and workshops.
    - Provide technical assistance/presentations to volunteer groups, individuals, etc., as requested.
    - Maintain accurate records of all expenditures for each project and supply receipts to the Executive Director. Write interim/final reports for grants and maintain grant records.
    - Assist the NJTF Development Director with finding and researching funding opportunities, and help to write grants for Programs and Projects.

    Salary & Benefits

    - Salary $42,000 – $45,000 per year commensurate with experience
    - 37.5-hour work week, flexible hours, compensatory time for any hours over standard work week
    - Medical benefits
    - 403(b) retirement plan
    - Paid vacation, sick, personal, and holidays
    - Home office but must regularly be available to work in the field
    - Vehicle may be provided for NJTF work during planting seasons, otherwise mileage will be reimbursed
    - Professional development (training, conferences, workshops, etc.)

    Qualifications & Skills

    - Community organizing
    - Excellent interpersonal skills
    - Project management experience a plus
    - Experience planting and maintaining trees a plus
    - General tree knowledge a plus
    - Must be physically able to plant 2.5” caliper street trees

    Education & Licenses

    - Must possess a valid NJ Driver's License
    - Must have reliable transportation
    - Resident of Trenon or surrounding cities a plus

    How to Apply

    The New Jersey Tree Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

    Please submit your resume and a short (one page) statement of interest including relevant experience to pzipse@njtreefoundaton.org

    For additional information about NJTF please visit our website, njtrees.org, and social media @NJTrees

    Target start date is February 2nd, 2026. Accepting resumes until January 12th, 2026 or until the position is filled.