S.F. YOUTH TREE CARE PROGRAM ASSISTANT

FRIENDS OF THE URBAN FOREST
YOUTH TREE CARE PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Summary:

Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF) is seeking an Education Assistant. Candidate will work directly with FUF’s Education Manager, who runs the Youth Tree Care Program, which consists of a crew of 24 at-risk youth, 14-18 years old. This is a six week long paid environmental and employment summer program for youth. Primary responsibilities will include tree care, tree planting, gardening, educational field trips, along with some career development and administrative work. This is a full-time, temporary position, duration specific (see below).

Work Schedule:

• Start date is June 9, 2008 and the end date is August 15, 2008. It is very important that you be able to commit to working these dates.
• 40 hours a week
• Some Saturdays required
• A camping trip at Rob Hill Campground, Presidio, San Francisco, from July 9th – 11th, 3 days and 2 nights

Required Skills:

• ISA Certified Arborist (or the equivalent) preferred but not required
• College degree or in college
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent leadership skills
• Proficient with computers and basic programs including word, excel, databases, internet, email
• Have a positive “can-do” attitude
• Creatively able to problem solve

Job Responsibilities include:

I. YOUTH EXPERIENCE
• Working with and teaching at-risk youth
• Career counseling including demonstrating and teaching employability skills
• Conflict mediating and resolving
• Supervising youth in the field, in the classroom, and during public outings

II. TREE CARE, TREE PLANTING & GENERAL TREE EXPERIENCE
• Pruning of young trees (5 years and younger)
• Root pruning
• Planting #15 size street trees
• Species ID
• Conducting tree surveys which provide information about the tree’s health for doing future tree care work

III. DRIVING EXPERIENCE
• Must have a current CA Drivers License
• Must have a clean driving record
• Comfortable driving a 15 passenger van

Compensation:
• Seasonal, temporary position for FUF’s 6 week long Youth Tree Care Program in the summer of 2008 (with the potential to be considered for the 2009 summer program)
• $20-25 an hour, dependent on experience

Please submit a resume and at least three references that we may contact, to Nancy Strahan. Email: nancy@fuf.net. Fax: 415-561-6899. Mailing address: Attn Nancy Strahan, Friends of the Urban Forest, Building 1007, P.O. Box 29456, San Francisco, CA 94129. Interviews will start the week of June 2, 2008.