Introduction
This is a contractual, position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Forest Service. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.
GRADE
16
LOCATION OF POSITION
580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
Main Purpose of Job
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Maryland Forest Service, is currently accepting applications for a Community Forestry Coordinator to support the implementation of the 5 Million Trees Initiative, a long-term program established by the 2021 Tree Solutions Now Act. The main purpose of this position is to provide technical and financial support to projects that increase or conserve the urban tree canopy in communities that bear the brunt of climate and economic injustices across the state, including those directly impacted by the construction of state transportation facilities. The Community Forestry Coordinator position will work closely with municipalities, neighborhood organizations, community volunteers, student associations, nonprofits, and contractors to generate project leads, develop proposals, secure funding, oversee implementation, and monitor project success. This position will also work closely with partners in the state school system to leverage the critical role of schoolyards as community centers to promote increased tree canopy cover, create pathways for the discovery of nature, and support local climate resiliency priorities. The Schoolyard Forests Program will function as a vital adjunct to the State of Maryland’s ‘5 Million Trees’ initiative over at least the next eight years by cultivating novel tree planting partnerships and augmenting environmental literacy standards. By engaging communities in stewardship and promoting an increased awareness of conservation issues, the position supports the Department’s main goal of inspiring Marylanders to live in harmony with nature and to protect the Chesapeake Bay.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental science or natural resources planning, management or development.
Experience: Three years of experience in natural resources planning or applied environmental science.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, biological sciences and one year of experience in natural resources planning or applied environmental science for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources planning, management, administration, development, environmental, urban or regional planning; resources economics or development; environmental system management; water or land resources planning and management; environmental landscape architecture; or the physical, biological, chemical or environmental sciences for up to three years of the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the general natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or general natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the general natural resources management and biological sciences field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants not using the Master's Degree substitution must have 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 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. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day.
If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Adriana Parravano at Adriana.Parravano@maryland.gov
Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.
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.
