Jobs and Internships
Jobs
Turn your passion for the environment into a career!
For more than 40 years, we have planted trees, strengthened communities, educated children and worked with local agencies to solve the environmental challenges that threaten LA.
If you share our vision for a green city, consider applying for a job with us. The rewards are plentiful: competitive pay and benefits, a beautiful work setting, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you're making a difference.
JOB TITLE:
Senior Human Resources Generalist
REPORTS TO:
Cindy Montanez, Chief Executive Officer
JOB SUMMARY:
TreePeople is recruiting for a hardworking, organized, detail-oriented and effective Senior Human Resources Generalist to complete the day-to-day human resource, payroll, benefits, employee relations, policies and administrative functions for a fast growing and complex nonprofit organization and its affiliate land trust.
Only serious candidates that meet or exceed all the qualifications, submit a complete application, provide a sample of a written policy they wrote, can work Monday through Friday starting no later than 8 a.m., and can participate in evening, travel and weekend work as job duties may demand will be considered. Salary requirements must be included.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Effectively perform all day-to-day human resources functions, including but not limited to:
- Organize and maintain personnel records for all employees;
- Administer bi-weekly payroll (Paylocity), time allocations for billing, and benefits programs, including conducting analysis, ensuring compliance, and serving as primary contract with providers, including group health and voluntary benefits, workers' compensation, and volunteer, liability and auto insurances;
- Administer all business insurance programs (including D&O, liability and property coverage, workers’ compensation insurance and volunteer accident insurance) and maintain relationships with various insurance brokers and carriers;
- Mediate and work diligently to resolve sensitive employee relations issues;
- Maintain and update policies, procedures and Employee Handbook as well as Injury and Illness Prevention Program/Emergency Action Plan Handbook and COVID-19 Policies and Procedures;
- Ensure job descriptions are updated (in process) and written for each job position;
- Administer recruitment process to include: expanding recruitment postings, screening resumes, conducting all interviews, checking references, making recommendations to hiring managers, negotiating salary and issuing offer letters;
- Employee Benefits: Review employee benefits, make annual recommendations on new benefit plans to the CEO and CFO, hold open enrollment annually and answer employees’ benefits questions throughout the plan year. Maintain relationships with various insurance brokers;
- Administer all workers compensation benefits, reporting to agency and ensuring that employees are medically treated as necessary;
- Facilitate new employee orientation/on-boarding program;
- Conduct exit interviews;
- Responsible for all COBRA administration;
- Maintain responsibility for organization compliance with federal, state and local regulations pertaining to all personnel matters; including responsibility to evaluate, implement and manage human resources policies and programs in the areas of employment, employee relations, discrimination and equal opportunity employment in compliance with government laws and regulations and TreePeople goals;
- Develop, annually review and make recommendations to the CEO for improvement and implementation of TreePeople’s policies, procedures and practices on personnel matters, including professional development, management training, performance evaluation metrics, emergency response, discrimination training, and injury and prevention;
- In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, assist the CEO in the annual review, preparation and administration of the organization's wage and salary program. Work to ensure that salaries and benefits remain competitive with similar environmental organizations;
- Develop, manage and implement TreePeople’s wellness and workplace incentives programs; Manage organization's safety efforts, including overseeing and serving on the safety committee and working to prevent workplace injuries;
- Consult with legal counsel as appropriate, or as directed by the CEO, on personnel or other matters; Evaluate, develop, and maintain a thoroughly-organized human resource information system that meets industry standards and TreePeople personnel information needs;
- Partner with the CEO to develop and implement effective short and long term strategies to attain a superb work ethic, a highly-motivating work environment, purposeful performance metrics, a results-driven culture and other organizational objectives needed to grow TreePeople’s impact and implement its mission;
- Evaluate, modernize and reorganize the Human Resources processes for maximum efficiency, legal compliance and effectiveness in recruitment, hiring and support of a high-functioning team of at least 75 employees who also manage interns and thousands of community volunteers;
- Train, support and work directly with the CEO, Chief Financial Officer, directors and managers to assist them in properly managing, motivating, evaluating and effectively carrying out their responsibilities on personnel matters;
- Participate in board meetings, board committees, internal and external working committees and special projects as assigned by the CEO.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
- Understands, believes in and can effectively communicate TreePeople’s mission.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with a CEO, Chief Financial Officer and directors on a high-achievement trajectory.
- Must be highly-organized with a strong work ethic and have the ability to provide strong leadership in a changing and growing organization.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Communications, or Nonprofit Management, plus 7 years of related training experience or an equivalent combination of education and work experience as a human resource professional is required.
- Must have a Professional Human Resource designation (PHR, SPHR or other) or be in the process or meet the qualifications of obtaining the designation.
- Expert knowledge in federal, state and local employment laws.
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, leadership abilities, management experience, nonprofit business acumen, and detail-oriented approach with the ability to establish credibility, trust and rapport with employees and other partners.
- Experience coaching and influencing senior executives, managing complex employee relations issues, managing organizational change, developing methods to inspire a strong work ethic and excellent performance, and comfort with the Human Resource system are all a must.
- Excellent facilitation and/or mediation skills.
- Experience with and commitment to recruiting, hiring and supporting a diverse workforce.
JOIN THE TREEPEOPLE TEAM, APPLY AT:
Please apply here.
* TreePeople is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
JOB TITLE:
Senior Manager of Community Organizing
REPORTS TO:
Reports to the Director of Education and Community
JOB SUMMARY:
TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit that has played a leading role in mobilizing Angelenos, private businesses and government agencies to work together to support resilient urban communities capable of withstanding the mounting challenges of climate change.
To achieve our mission, TreePeople is committed to engaging in direct organizing efforts to inspire, engage and support climate resilient communities. To be true partners in these communities, many of which are facing ongoing economic and environmental distress, we thoughtfully engage in understanding their unique needs and work alongside them to achieve our shared goals.
TreePeople is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Manager of Community Organizing to lead our community organizing team and continue to strengthen our community organizing strategy and efforts with community members across Los Angeles.
This individual will work closely with the Director of Education and Community to implement a robust community organizing strategy that connects community to healthy trees, water, and soil with a focus on addressing local environmental issues and building community resilience to climate change.
TreePeople seeks a candidate with experience in environmental and equity issues in the LA Region, and who has a strong background in engaging local communities in one or more of these areas: Southeast LA, Gateway Cities, South LA, and the Northeast San Fernando Valley.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide leadership in community organizing efforts, including guiding TreePeople’s overall organizing strategy and overseeing TreePeople’s team of community organizers
- Implement, oversee, and continue to refine TreePeople’s Community Organizing Plan, which will guide the organization’s engagement efforts around community-centered climate resilience mitigation and adaptation
- Guided by the Community Organizing Plan, conduct outreach to community members, leaders, groups, and other stakeholders in economically and environmentally stressed communities to solicit input, identify needs and vulnerabilities, and ensure that diverse perspectives be included in the development of climate resiliency projects and implementation.
- Oversee implementation of a Community Forester Model that integrates climate resiliency mitigation and adaptation -
- set target metrics for each area we are organizing in for number of community foresters and manage team to meet those targets.
- Develop and maintain a plan that identifies climate resiliency strategies to integrate priorities for communities, municipalities, and region through partnerships and extensive networks.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships.
- Support community-based orgs and community champions with ongoing education, technical assistance and mentoring resulting in capacity building.
- Prepare and provide presentations to various stakeholders including community groups, institutions, water agencies, government associations.
- Management and oversight of all contract staff and subcontractors, contract compliance and participation or observation of all deliverable activities for monitoring and quality assurance.
- Complete reports including quarterly reporting to funders.
- Provide ongoing research, background information, and analytical support for program management; including but not limited to drafting new proposals, writing briefs, literature reviews.
- Work closely with Director of Education and Community to fundraise for the community organizing department via government grants, foundations, individuals, etc.
- Participate in meetings, coordinate programmatic input and write and review briefs to prepare organizational Leadership for high-profile meetings and events.
- Lead special projects as needed including managing grants.
- This role is responsible for high quality interactions and clear and consistent communications across TreePeople’s teams, sub-teams, grantees, and partners in the field.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA/BS Degree or equivalent experience in Program Management, Political Science, Social Sciences or related field
- Experience community organizing in environmentally and economically stressed communities
- Strong leadership, team-building and problem-solving skills
- Aptitude for interacting collaboratively
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
- Valid CA Driver’s License and proof of insurance.
- Proven track record of verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, leadership abilities, nonprofit business acumen, and detail-oriented approach with the ability to establish credibility, trust and rapport with employees and other partners.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Community Organizing: Highly skilled at engaging diverse communities, including low-income communities of color
- Facilitation: Proven ability to facilitate community engagement and participatory decision making, and to develop strategies for integrating diverse priorities into projects and programs.
- Communication: Experience developing effective education and engagement communication tools tailored to a variety of audiences, including strong writing skills.
- Presentation: Excellent presentation skills/experience presenting at workshops, community and agency meetings.
- Collaboration: Experience developing relationships and facilitating ongoing dialogue with agencies, municipalities, elected officials, and NGO stakeholders. Works independently, handles multiple priorities and tight timelines.
- Strategic and dedicated approach to complex problem-solving.
- Ability to remain flexible and adapt to multiple processes prone to change.
- Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and identify (and present) implications for programmatic priorities.
- Demonstrated knowledge in relevant area.
- Experience in project management or development.
- Attention to detail in writing and proofing material, tracking and managing projects and grants.
- Knowledge of policy, environmental, equity and education policy issues.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, this position requires standing (mostly as a presenter), walking, driving, as well as the ability to lift 15 pounds.
JOIN THE TREEPEOPLE TEAM, APPLY AT:
Please apply here.
* TreePeople is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Internships
Are you interested in learning about one of LA's premier environmental nonprofits?
TreePeople staff works with interns to give them a leg-up in the environmental field and specialized training across our departments' specialities. Come join us and help green our city!
JOB TITLE:
Biological Science Intern
REPORTS TO:
Reports to Nursery Manager
THE ORGANIZATION:
TreePeople inspires and supports the people of LA to come together to plant and care for trees, harvest the rain, and renew depleted landscapes. We unite with communities to grow a greener, shadier and more water-secure city at homes, neighborhoods, schools and in the local mountains. We work with volunteer leaders using our unique Citizen Forester model, and we influence government agencies for a healthy, thriving Los Angeles. Born from the efforts of a teenager over 40 years ago, we have involved more than 3 million people in planting and caring for more than 3 million trees.
In order to support fire mitigation and other habitat restoration projects, TreePeople’s nursery has adopted new Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent the spread of destructive Phytophthora pathogens into our wildlands. TreePeople is part of a voluntary nursery evaluation process, and this facility is the second nursery in Los Angeles County qualified to grow native plants for the Forest Service.
DUTIES
- Participate in ecological restoration projects, training, fundraising, and outreach events as needed.
- Learn how to collect, clean, store, and propagate native plant species.
- Help protect our local ecosystems from non-native, invasive species.
- Learn about Best Management Practices (BMPs).
- Learn how to mix and pasteurize soil.
- Help monitor TreePeople’s wildlife camera.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Due to the type of work the individual must be at least 18 years old.
- The individual must have their own transportation to get to the work site.
- The individual must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds due to the nature of the work.
- The individual must be able to hike off-trail and on mountainous terrain.
- Strong critical thinking ability and organizational skills.
- Must be detail-oriented and punctual.
- Must possess a desire to investigate a range of topics including native and non-native plants, local non-profit and community events/workshops, et cetera.
- Friendly with good writing skills. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite.
- Field experience and/or relevant education is highly desired in a candidate but not necessary.
TYPE OF POSITION:
Part-time, unpaid internship. 2 months commitment, 2-3 days per week, approximately 10 hours per week. Minimum 4 hour shifts. Internship can be performed to gain college credit with college approval. Length of internship can be customized to candidate’s and organization’s interest.
For each work day, wear clothing you can get dirty, closed-toed shoes (boots recommended), a hat, water bottle, and a snack/lunch.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested please send your resume and introduce yourself to Luis Rodriguez at LRodriguez@treepeople.org No phone calls, please.
JOB TITLE:
Wildland Habitat Restoration Intern / Angeles National Forest
REPORTS TO:
Angeles Restoration Program Manager, Angeles Restoration Senior Coordinator
THE ORGANIZATION:
TreePeople's mission is to inspire the people of Los Angeles County to take personal responsibility for the urban forest and local mountains – educating, training and supporting them as they plant and care for trees and other native plants. In the process, we aim to improve the neighborhoods in which they live, learn, work, and play. We work to help nature heal our cities in the neighborhoods, schools, communities and mountains of the greater Los Angeles area. Our office is located in Coldwater Canyon Park between the Los Angeles basin and the San Fernando Valley.
DESCRIPTION:
The Angeles Forest Restoration is a wildland restoration effort lead by TreePeople, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the US Forest Service in the Angeles National Forest. This program aims at restoring areas devastated by fire, restore their pristine beauty, habitat and benefits. Through the participation of many volunteers, TreePeople seeks to engage, train and educate all Angelinos who aspire to help maintain the vital qualities of the Angeles National Forest watershed. The program encompasses a wide scope of work, including seed collection of native species, nursery work, removal of invasive non-native species, seedling planting and maintenance, along with surveying and data collection designed to enhance practices and provide stakeholders with valuable information.
DUTIES
- Help prepare restoration events through site preparation.
- Collect field data related to soil, moisture, seedlings health and growth.
- Organize data on excel or google sheets.
- Support the Angeles Forest Restoration program at weekend events.
- Work independently and with volunteers and TreePeople employees in restoration zones.
- Learn nursery procedures, inventory, etc.
REQUIRED:
- Available some week AND weekend days (schedule may be tailored to the individual).
- Own personal transportation.
- Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
- Related field experience and or education.
- Complete our Wildland Restoration Supervisor training – can occur during internship.
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Some knowledge and understanding of Google maps and site navigation
- Understanding of Mediterranean ecosystems, familiarity with the Angeles National Forest, or a strong commitment to quickly learn both, and local native plant species.
TYPE OF POSITION:
Part-time, unpaid internship, minimum 4 month commitment and 20 hours (flex) per week.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you are interested please e-mail a cover letter and resume to Luis Rodriguez at LRodriguez@treepeople.org No phone calls, please.