Title: Chattanooga Tree Project- Field Technician

Reports to: CTP Project Coordinator, SECC Program Director

Location/s: Chattanooga, TN, 1102 S. Watkins St.

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Dates: 12/1/25-Until end of grant (2027)

Wages: $20-25 per hour, depending on prior experience and certifications, plus overtime

Benefits: Medical benefit options may be available for individuals serving 6 months or longer

Trainings: Plant Identification, Invasive plant species management practices, Young tree care, Volunteer management, Proper planting techniques, Erosion control, Understanding of vegetative practices used for stormwater management and improved stream health, Herbicide application, and Proper use/maintenance of hand and power tools.

Application closes:10/31/25

Southeast Conservation Corps:

Engaging future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service.

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) is a non-profit service organization built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933-1942. SECC provides recent-era military veterans, young adults, and teenagers opportunities to complete conservation projects on public and private lands throughout Tennessee and the Southeast region. While serving with SECC members learn natural resource management practices and team work though completing high quality projects such as prescribed burning, fuels management, land restoration, trail construction, invasive plant management, and much more. Programs are structured using a stepladder approach to provide a progression of development related to personal, professional, and project skills. SECC operates field programs nearly year-round from January – November, with the peak season being May – August. During peak season, up to 10 crews can run simultaneously. SECC engages approximately 120 members per year throughout youth, adult, and veteran crews, as well as internships.

Project Summary:

This is a grant funded position to support the implementation of a $6 million Urban and Community Forestry grant project within the designated grant zone in the City of Chattanooga, which is centered around urban forestry planning and management, engagement and outreach, and workforce development. This position will support the project coordinator and liaison to meet the objectives of the grant project in a timely manner. More specifically, the Field Technician will assist in the planning and coordination of tree planting, young tree care, riparian buffer improvement, invasive species management projects, development of education and outreach programs and materials, and collecting and compiling field data.

Position Summary:

The standard schedule generally consists of Monday – Friday, 8 hour work days, plus occasional overtime. Candidates would be expected to work some weekends. Depending on season, program needs, and expectations: this position is expected to work 70% in field 30% in office.

This position will support the urban community forestry grant team and grant related programs. The Field Technician will work to collect field data, perform a variety of tree maintenance and invasive species management work, educate the public and volunteers, and help conduct research and implement management plans. In addition, this position will function as a liaison between SECCs Urban Forestry Crew and CTP Project Coordinator.

Responsibilities: (The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

• Work in collaboration with CTP Project Coordinator to prioritize pressing projects, field activities, project troubleshooting, and provide technical support to SECCs seasonal Urban Forestry Crew.
• Work includes hand-weeding, planting, pruning, ground preparation, mulching, watering, etc.; using gardening/landscaping tools and equipment including: weed eater, hedge trimmer, hand saws, shovel, pruners, rake, etc.
• Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a utility truck, hand saw, drill, spray pump, shovel, hand tools, or mechanic tools.
• Identifies invasive species and develops plans to control or eliminate unwanted plant species. Teaches methods of sustainable landscaping methods to work crews, volunteers and the general public.

• Assists in the selection, care, and maintenance of City trees, perennials and other plants in local parks and in other public areas.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, email, and other programs.
• Records, reviews, processes, analyzes, and interprets natural resources data in specialized or other software programs and provides detailed reporting. Collects and compiles field data with program data forms, GPS, cameras and other equipment.
• Performs invasive species management and site restoration through usage of herbicide or mechanical means and native planting.
• Communicates with the public about parks, the goals of The Chattanooga Tree Project, and associated maintenance; works with volunteer groups.
• Communicates & coordinates logistics with project partners, SECC Crew, & Parks and Outdoors staff.
• Helps to mentor and assist SECC crew leads when needed.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Full commitment to the program and its mission.

• Understanding of and experience with the mission and field management considerations of conservation corps and public land agencies.

• Leadership, management, and supervisory experience with youth or young adults.
• Examples of relevant training and experience include experience with gardening, landscape installation.
• Experience and knowledge of ecological restoration, course work or experience in botany, forestry, environmental science.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.

• Willingness to participate in community-building activities and solution-oriented problem solving with peer leaders.

• Able to work long days in adverse conditions.

• Must be able to speak, understand and write English.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and experience or any combination of relevant education, training or experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job will be considered.

• Must be over the age of 21 or have possessed a driver’s license for 3 or more years without any restrictions (to pass minimum insurability requirements for crew transport driving duties).

Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:

• Experience with experiential and/or environmental education.
• Experience with volunteer management.
• Degree in environmental science or related field preferred, but not required.
• Time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Knowledge of or skilled in the use of landscaping tools and equipment, methods of wildlife management, land management, invasive species. Monitoring and identifying erosion issues. Working independently and part of a team.
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others.

Our Commitment

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Other Considerations:

Physical Demands:

This position will typically require reaching, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions and is expected to work in all types of weather conditions.

Medium Work: Exerting up-to 50lbs of force occasionally and/or up-to 20lbs of force frequently and/or up to 10lbs of force constantly to move object. Incumbents maybe subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, oils, extreme temperatures, and infectious diseases.

***Many waterways across Chattanooga are impaired for various reasons including, but not limited to potentially harmful bacteria like E.coli. All crews will be equipped with the appropriate PPE to work in water that may contain these contaminants, however individuals will be expected to practice best management practices while working in the field.

Any questions can be addressed to:

Kelsey Durr

Program Director

kdurr@conservationlegacy.org

To Apply:

Internal applicants should apply through Axiom @My Career. Search for position title (case sensitive)

External Applicants should apply at: conservationlegacy:Career Search

It is vital for candidates to submit both a resume and cover letter.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.