Skip to main content
Skip to main menu Skip to spotlight region Skip to secondary region Skip to UGA region Skip to Tertiary region Skip to Quaternary region Skip to unit footer

Slideshow

Program Director

Deadline:
Employer:
Savannah Tree Foundation
Job Field:
Forestry
Job Type:
Full Time
Location:
Georgia
Location Detail:
Chatham County
Job Description:

Overview

Savannah Tree Foundation (STF) is seeking qualified candidates for our Program Director position. Savannah Tree Foundation is a leading Georgia non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and growing Chatham County’s urban forest through tree planting, community engagement, and advocacy. Our vision is to inspire and educate our community to create and sustain a healthy urban forest today, tomorrow, and forever. To learn more about Savannah Tree Foundation, visit savannahtree.org.

Job Description

The Program Director, under direction from the Executive Director, manages all STF programs, including but not limited to public tree plantings, outreach and education, and a future community tree nursery. The Program Director supervises staff and volunteers to achieve STF’s programmatic goals of planting trees, promoting native trees, and educating the public about our urban forest and the arboriculture field. The Program Director will work closely with the Executive Director and staff to develop, implement, execute, and evaluate existing and new programs.

Responsibilities

Program Management

- Coordinate the development, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing improvement of all Savannah Tree Foundation programs

- Work with Executive Director to set goals and objectives for field, nursery, training, and educational programs

- As necessary, and in conjunction with other staff, carry out programmatic duties such as tree planting, educational events, etc.

- Oversee the maintenance of accurate records on program activities and participants to meet grant requirements and ensure ongoing organizational effectiveness

 

Nursery Management

- Spearhead the establishment of a community tree nursery in an urban setting

- Successfully grow healthy, high quality native and fruit trees

- Install and maintain irrigation system, nursery equipment, and tools

- Develop a nursery design and growing schedule - Maintain complete and accurate inventory of tree species and counts

- Coordinate with vendors to obtain nursery supplies

- Oversee tree giveaways, sales, and other means of distribution

 

Community Relations

- Advocate for trees and the urban forest throughout the community and in particular with government, special projects, and community organizations

- Serve as a liaison with the community and general public

- Serve as a spokesperson for Savannah Tree Foundation at forums and events

 

Workforce Development/Education

- Work with Community Arborist to develop appropriate education and training opportunities for apprentices and volunteers

- Work with STF staff and community partners to develop and deliver effective community education programs

- Manage all volunteers and staff in the field to ensure safe work sites and a positive work experiences

 

Staff Supervision

- With assistance from the Executive Director, hire, train, and supervise all program staff, including Community Arborist, nursery staff, apprentices, etc.

- Provide program staff with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis and ensure achievement in line with organizational goals

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent skills and experience

- 5 or more years of relevant professional work experience

- Knowledge of urban forestry, arboriculture, and/or horticulture

- ISA-certified arborist or willing and able to become certified within 6 months

- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

- Experience managing teams of up to 10 people

- Ability to work independently

- Flexibility and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed

- Ability to work collaboratively with people of different backgrounds

- Possession of a valid driver’s license

- Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, stand for long periods of time, and to safely lift and move more than 50 lbs on a daily basis

- Willing and able to become CPR certified

- Knowledge of basic computer software including Microsoft Office

 

Desired Qualifications

- Experience in nursery operations, production, and care

- Knowledgeable about tree species and ecology in Coastal Georgia

- Experience with community outreach, volunteers, and partnerships

- Communications experience including social media and the press

Salary:
$55,000-$65,000, based on qualifications and experience
Benefits:

Compensation

- $55,000-$65,000, based on qualifications and experience

- Full-time position, including Saturdays, especially during planting season (November through March), and the occasional weeknight

- Health reimbursement account

- 12 paid vacation days accrued annually

- 13 paid holidays annually, plus annual office closure last week of December

- Respect for work-life balance, including consideration of flexible schedules

- 6 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment

How to Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit an email resume to Zoe Rinker, Executive Director, at zoe@savannahtree.org, subject line “STF Program Director.” This position will be open until filled.

 

Savannah Tree Foundation does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices, or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, age, sex, or sexual orientation.

 

We also recognize that there is no “perfect candidate” and that fit and potential can be a greater metric of success than experience or skills, so we encourage those interested to apply, even if they only have some of the requested skills, knowledge, and experience.

Support Warnell

We appreciate your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience. Learn more about giving.