The Urban Forest Initiative (UFI) at the University of Kentucky invites applicants for a staff position as UFI Project Coordinator. The successful candidate will have a MS or PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
This grant-funded position will help develop and implement work in small, fragmented communities in Kentucky struck by recent climate-linked disasters to help them rebuild by expanding the community’s tree canopy. The project focuses on historically underserved populations in selected communities (<6,500 population) that have been affected by recent catastrophic weather events to:

1. map, identify, and connect community trees to ecological, economic, and social benefits
2. assist with plans to enhance tree diversity
3. deliver training in tree care to create a pathway to tree canopy resiliency and economic development.

The candidate will:

• engage with community leaders and interested residents to generate a tree inventory, including tree diversity and valuations of ecosystem benefits
• develop prescriptions for tree canopy improvement and maintenance to support ecosystem services and promote community livability
• enhance community engagement in urban and community forestry activities through education and outreach activities

Experience or training in community engagement, program implementation, and/ or tree health desirable. Requires flexible hours and limited travel.

The successful applicant must have a M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with demonstrated experience in project management and communicating with stakeholder groups. Position duration will coincide with the length of the grant (2 years) unless additional funding becomes available