Forestry Program Coordinator
Priority deadline to apply is January 30, 2026, with rolling applications accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is March 2, 2026. To apply, email cover letter and resume (preferably in one document) to Marielle Mateo, Stewardship Specialist, at mmateo@parkconnection.org.
MISSION
Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) strengthens the enduring connection between people and the national park by stewarding the river and enriching the lives of all those who experience the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
ABOUT MPC
MPC is the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a National Park Service unit located in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro area.
We support the national park by:
Providing funding for youth education, natural and cultural resources, interpretation, and public programs.
Co-managing programs to improve outcomes, including Volunteers-in-Parks, Paddle Share, Plant for the Future, and Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change.
Supporting outreach and communication about the park through social media, the web, and in-person community programs.
Creating connections between the national park and people in its surrounding communities.
MPC serves as a place-based nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities seeking to connect people to the outdoors through hands-on, meaningful experiences in the national park. We are a collaborative, passionate team working closely with the National Park Service, donors, volunteers, and local partners to inspire stewardship and connection to the Mississippi River and surrounding public lands. We accomplish this through habitat restoration events, community and corporate volunteerism, and affinity and public programs on the river and in the park. To learn more about MPC, visit our website at parkconnection.org.
POSITION SUMMARY
Job Title: Forestry Program Coordinator
Location: Mississippi Park Connection / National Park Service Office – Saint Paul, MN
Reports To: Stewardship Specialist
Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week) Temporary position
Salary: $22-25/hour depending on experience
Benefits: Mississippi Park Connection offers generous benefits including a 50 percent match for health care premiums, 401k match (up to 5 percent), paid time off, a $100/month transportation stipend, professional development, and opportunities to recreate on the river.
Mississippi Park Connection is seeking a one-year, grant funded, full-time Forestry Program Coordinator to coordinate MPC’s forestry initiatives within the Mississippi River’s 72-mile national park. The candidate will work closely with the Stewardship Specialist and volunteer program staff to coordinate tree planting efforts, organize tree giveaway programs, inventory and analyze tree planting data, manage tree gravel beds, support MPC’s habitat restoration activities and volunteer programming, and encourage best forestry management practices for climate adaptation throughout the park. The candidate will work closely with National Park Service staff. This is a one-year temporary position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Tree Data Management and Analysis
Assist in Stewardship program in planting 3,700 trees by Spring 2029.
Create small volunteer events to assist with the management of gravel bed inventory, including weeding and inventory events.
Keep detailed records of tree invoices, tree inventory, planting locations and data.
Analyze data from tree survival surveys to identify patterns and quantify restoration efforts.
Develop and Host Tree Giveaway Events
Connect with and learn best practices from organizations experienced in conducting tree giveaways.
Partner with communities in the Justice40 or CEJST zones (or priority planting zones) to conduct tree giveaways.
Coordinate tree pulls, packaging, and staffing of tree giveaways.
Develop and implement participant feedback methods and follow up strategies.
Project and Partner Support
Support National Park Service public programming and Mississippi Park Connection affinity group events.
Support the Adaptive Climate Change for Silviculture research project at Crosby Park, in partnership with the University of Minnesota through periodic site maintenance, volunteer support, purchasing of equipment, and participation in advisory meetings.
Assist MPC stewardship staff in developing and implementing NPS and MPC projects including, but not limited to: Mississippi Park Connection’s gravel beds, pollinator gardens, and other natural resource projects.
Work with the Stewardship Team to plan and lead educational events around tree identification, vegetation identification, and best management practices for climate adaptation for multiple audiences, including donors, members, volunteers, and the public.
Volunteer Event Coordination
Lead or support volunteer events that might include a variety of habitat restoration tasks, trash pick-ups, tool maintenance, and more.
Co-lead Crosby Crew events throughout the year.
Assist with the coordination of community group and corporate group volunteer events, including site visits, some communications, event planning and logistics and participation in weekly habitat restoration event meetings.
Assist with other Mississippi Park Connection events and tasks as needed, such as volunteer appreciation events, fundraisers, etc.
Maintain volunteer equipment and conduct periodic inventories on equipment and gear.
Administrative and Organizational Support
Maintain accurate participant and program records in MPC’s databases.
Share program updates, stories, and media with MPC Communications and Development team for outreach, fundraising, and reporting.
Support and attend MPC fundraising and outreach programs as assigned by supervisor including, but not limited to fundraisers, tabling events, donor tours, and board meetings.
Support other duties as assigned in service of the organization’s objectives and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this position successfully, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Knowledge of Minnesota’s native tree and shrub species, as well as any of the following: dendrology, silviculture, soil science, plant science, forest management, tree planting, tree care and tree health, habitat management, community forestry, ecological restoration.
Experience with field research or hands-on natural resources management.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, and experience working with people from various backgrounds, life experiences, and cultures.
Open to and driven to understand various perspectives on natural resource management.
Ability to effectively manage time, handle multiple tasks and varying workload.
Ability to work with multiple organizational partners and colleagues, and to work on a team or independently.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Collaborative working style and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Alignment with MPC’s mission, values, and dedication to connecting people with the Mississippi River.
Preferred:
Knowledge of the Mississippi River, National Parks, and/or metro-area parks.
Experience with community engagement, working with volunteers, or crew management.
Familiarity with ArcGIS and/or Salesforce.
Knowledge of Minnesota’s Tribal and Indigenous communities, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) or Native ways of knowing.
Experience with environmental education and/or youth development.
Familiarity with climate science, expected impacts of climate change on Minnesota’s forests, and best practices for climate adaptation.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to hike 3-4 miles.
Ability to lift at least 30 lbs.
Ability to move about an office environment, sit for extended periods, and participate in community-based events.
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
Ability to work outdoors in challenging terrain under adverse field and weather conditions.
Ability to work in person from MPC’s Saint Paul offices.
Ability to travel within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor.
Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and qualify to drive a federal vehicle.
Ability to pass a federal background investigation for PIV card, federal vehicle use, and federal building access.
Mississippi Park Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At MPC, we recognize that our effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, operations, culture, and staffing. MPC is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.