Planting Coordinator

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate all tree-planting projects, including scheduling, site selection, logistics, and resource allocation.
• Oversee planting activities performed by vendors, volunteers, and in-house crews to ensure quality, safety, and adherence to standards.
• Develop planting plans and layouts, ensuring species diversity, site suitability, and long-term survivability.
• Manage vendor relationships, including contract coordination, performance monitoring, and compliance with city specifications.
• Organize volunteer planting events, providing training, on-site leadership, and positive community engagement.
• Track planting data, maintain accurate records, and support reporting on project outcomes and canopy expansion goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including operations, forestry staff, and community partners, to ensure smooth project execution and alignment with broader initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or natural resources.
• Knowledge of tree-planting standards, species selection, and site assessment.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate diverse groups, including contractors, volunteers, and city staff.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and oversee field activities.
• Basic proficiency with mapping tools, spreadsheets, or project-tracking software.

Preferred Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist credential or ability to obtain.
• Experience coordinating volunteer events or community-based planting programs.
• Familiarity with municipal processes, procurement, or contractor oversight.
• Knowledge of urban tree survival strategies, soil conditions, and planting best practices.
• Experience with GIS, inventory systems, or canopy-tracking tools.

Supplemental Information:

The City of Cleveland is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

The City of Cleveland offers a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.