Trees, Urban Forestry

Hiring: Urban Forestry Program Coordinator
Organization: Black Environmental Initiative
Location: Toronto ON

About Beyond Provision Grounds

Beyond Provision Grounds is a new urban forestry initiative developed by the Black Environmental Initiative (BEI) and implemented in collaboration with LEAF(Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests).

The project will organize and mobilize historically excluded communities, particularly residents of low-canopy neighborhoods in Toronto, to plant a significant number of trees and shrubs during the summer of 2026 on non-City-owned land.

More than a tree-planting initiative, Beyond Provision Grounds builds on BEI’s long-standing work of building community in nature, using approaches rooted in Afro-environmentalism, environmental justice, and movement-building.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director and working in close collaboration with the Roots for Resilience Project Lead, the Urban Forestry Program Coordinator will contribute their organizing skills, technical literacy in urban forestry, and systems awareness to support the successful delivery of Beyond Provision Grounds.

This is a growth-oriented role designed for an emerging professional and community leader who wants to build a strong foundation in urban forestry, environmental education, and community-based environmental work.

While this is not a certified arborist position, the role requires meaningful technical understanding of urban forestry and the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world, community-based contexts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Site Identification, Preparation & Program Support
2. Urban Forestry Education
3. Community Organizing & Mobilization

4. Systems & Equity Awareness
•Apply an understanding of how tree planting interacts with:
o Buildings, sidewalks, and underground infrastructure
o Stormwater management and urban heat mitigation
o Existing land uses and neighborhood dynamics

5. Program Coordination & Administration
•Coordinate schedules, meetings, and event logistics
•Track tasks, timelines, sites, and participation
•Support documentation and reporting (photos, attendance, summaries)
•Communicate with internal team members and external partners
•Support overall program organization and implementation
•Perform other related tasks as required based on project needs

Who This Role Is For
This role is ideal for someone who:

• Is deeply interested in nature, trees, and urban ecosystems
• Has sufficient technical grounding in urban forestry to work confidently alongside forestry professionals
• Is curious about how environmental interventions interact with housing, infrastructure, and social equity
• Wants to work directly with communities, not only policy or data
• Is excited to grow into a community environmental leadership role
• Understands that strong organizing requires humility, consistency, and follow-through

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with Black and/or other racialized communities
• Foundational understanding of urban forestry and tree establishment principles
• Ability to interpret and apply urban forestry guidelines in community contexts
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Comfort facilitating or supporting group conversations

Strong Assets

• Knowledge of urban ecology, environmental planning, or geography
• Understanding of green gentrification and environmental justice frameworks
• Familiarity with Toronto’s urban forestry ecosystem (e.g. LEAF, City programs)
• Experience or coursework in environmental studies, urban planning, forestry, or related fields

Values & Ways of Working

We are looking for someone who:

• Is humble and able to decenter their ego
• Values teamwork and collective direction
• Is interested in contributing to the organization’s growth and long-term vision.

This is a 6-months contract with possibility of renewal depending on funding availability and alignment.

To apply, please e-mail your resume and a brief covering letter to:
careers@beinitiative.com
subject: Urban Forestry Program Coordinator

“This position was made possible through the financial support of the City of Toronto.”

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