Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager

The Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) is seeking a full-time Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager to lead our urban forestry work across Prince George’s County. The primary responsibility is managing NDC’s work within the Prince George’s County's street tree program: Right Tree, Right Place (RTRP). Additional responsibilities include managing individual urban forestry grants in partnership with municipalities, nonprofits, or community groups and leading NDC’s Urban and Community Forestry team. 

Start date: Summer 2026 

Compensation: $80,000-$90,000 annually and generous benefits package

Application deadline: Reviews begin May 18, 2026; open until filled

About the Position

The Program Manager will support the Urban and Community Forestry program at NDC, primarily overseeing the ongoing RTRP Program, in partnership with Prince George’s County DPW&T. Beginning in year two of the successful applicant's term, they will oversee and expand NDC's urban forestry contractual work with other municipal agencies and organizations in the State of Maryland. 

The Program Manager is responsible for the RTRP Program, including planning, organizing, and coordinating program activities. Duties include but are not limited to: locating eligible communities, scheduling and presenting information at community meetings, answering questions/addressing concerns from the community, identifying high-risk trees for removal or pruning, selecting tree replacements and developing designs, updating and maintaining meticulous records, and assisting the field inspector in liaising between community, county agency, and contractors. Additional work for DPW&T could include research for special topics reports and assistance for non-RTRP projects.

The Program Manager will also support outreach, marketing, and contractual work to municipalities and organizations within and surrounding Prince George’s County to help grow community forestry as an NDC initiative. The focus of this program is street tree design and management recommendations, site design, urban forest restoration, and tree care demonstrations for nonprofit and local government programs. As NDC is a highly collaborative organization, the Program Manager will occasionally assist on multiple other programs and projects as needed, as well as staff several of the organization’s community-building events per year.

YOUR ROLE

The Program Manager performs a wide range of duties:

• Plan and execute the delivery of the RTRP program and its activities, including data collection, field activities, monthly and annual reporting, and correspondence
• Work closely with Prince George’s County DPW&T staff and contractors to plan for and document program activities such as tree assessments, removals, planting, and maintenance outcomes
• Communicate program goals to the community by means of informational and educational materials, neighborhood presentations, and face-to-face interaction
• Maintain database of program activities and community contacts
• Respond to individual residents’ questions and concerns via phone, email, and in person
• Direct the work of the NDC Forestry Technician and Intern, who will provide support for these responsibilities
• Support small municipal forestry contracts, with tasks such as street tree design, tree inventories, urban forestry management recommendations, maintenance trainings and tree planting demonstrations
  
  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

The position requires a balance of interpersonal skills, technical proficiency, and physical endurance. Specific qualifications needed for the position are:

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture or similar field (may substitute relevant experience)
• ISA-certified arborist 
• 3+ years of experience managing urban forestry projects or programs for a non-profit, municipality, government agency, or similar organization
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, practices, methods, and techniques of forestry management in urban and suburban settings
• Skilled in native and non-native tree identification
• Supervisory experience
• Technical computer skills, including expertise with MS Office and Google Suite
• Advanced experience with ESRI ArcGIS and related field-based applications
• Strong oral presentation and speaking skills
• Highly detail oriented and ability to maintain meticulous records
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an appreciation of another person's perspective
• Current driver's license and clean driving record
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• ISA TRAQ certification and/or experience with tree risk assessment
• Familiarity with green infrastructure best practices, nursery trade, and/or relevant pests and diseases 
• Familiarity with Prince George's County communities
• Strong personal and professional commitment to environmental and social justice
• Experience analyzing and improving data management systems 
• Experience with mapping and data visualizations  
• Bilingual (Spanish) conversational ability is highly desirable
  
  

DIRECT REPORTS and PROGRAM SUPPORT 

The Program Manager will supervise one to three staff at any given point in time.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS

Please upload a Resume and Cover letter highlighting relevant experience. Submit two to three professional references.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Fieldwork involves standing, walking, and carrying equipment (up to 30 lbs) in varying weather conditions, year-round, often for much of a work-day and over half of the work-week. Non-field work involves work at a desk. NDC provides a vehicle for fieldwork; mileage reimbursement is offered if personal transportation is used.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

NDC offers a generous compensation package including health, vision, and dental insurance; 401k match; flexible PTO; professional development stipend; paid time for professional development; cell-phone reimbursement and more.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Neighborhood Design Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to fostering a workplace culture where all employees are equally included, valued, and supported.