DSD is seeking a Program Development Coordinator to oversee the planning and implementation of the Youth Forest Council. In alignment with the Austin Urban Forest Plan and Austin’s Strategic Direction 2023, the Youth Forest Council is a yearlong, paid internship program that provides an opportunity for young people in Austin to connect with our urban forest and develop pathways to successful careers in forestry, natural resources, or civil service, with a particular focus on access and equity. The Program Development Coordinator position is part of the Urban Forest Program housed in the Development Services Department.

The Mission of the Urban Forest Program is to enhance Austin’s quality of life by fostering a healthy urban forest for all. The goals of our program are:

Support tree planting and related activities that maintain and increase urban tree canopy.

Provide up-to-date information to enable people to make responsible decisions related to trees.

Support urban forest health by promoting best practices for tree care.

Foster a lasting culture of stewardship by moving Austinites towards a deeper appreciation of our community’s trees.

Ensure that organizational capacity and structure support a healthy program.

Core Responsibilities

The Program Development Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Youth Forest Council internship, including but not limited to:

Developing and facilitating curriculum to create a courageous and supportive environment for young people

Supporting interns in project-based work and connecting them to resources in the city and beyond

Working with interns to ensure their needs and goals are being met, daily and long-term

Managing the program budget and all program files, records, and supplies

Evaluating the ongoing success of the program and making recommendations for improvement

Recruiting young people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds for participation in the Youth Forest Council by partnership-building, creating and delivering thoughtful marketing materials, giving community presentations, etc.

The Program Development Coordinator works in partnership with a Co-Facilitating Youth Intern who has previously completed the Youth Forest Council internship. In addition to the responsibilities above, the Program Development Coordinator will have the opportunity to work on select special projects in alignment with the Urban Forest Program goals.