Forestry Program Coordinator

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

Position Type: Part-Time Program Year: 2026–2027 School Year Reports To: Program Administrator / Designated School District Supervisor Location: Lansing School District schools, outdoor learning sites, and community forestry project locations

Position Summary

The Forestry Program Coordinator will coordinate and oversee hands-on forestry, environmental education, and outdoor work-based learning activities for Lansing School District high school students participating in the forestry program. A primary responsibility of this position is to work directly with high school forestry peer mentors, providing guidance, training, project coordination, and hands-on support as students develop the skills needed to lead forestry and environmental activities with younger students.

The Coordinator will help connect classroom learning with real-world forestry experiences, including tree planting, tree care, habitat improvement, school beautification, environmental education, and community forestry projects. The position will also help ensure that student-led projects are organized, safe, educational, and aligned with school and community goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. High School Forestry Peer Mentor Support

• Work directly with selected high school forestry peer mentors. • Provide ongoing coaching, supervision, and hands-on guidance. • Help peer mentors develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and project-management skills. • Prepare peer mentors to lead forestry and environmental activities with elementary and middle school students. • Help students understand appropriate safety procedures and expectations when working outdoors. • Provide feedback to students regarding their leadership and work performance. • Help students build professional skills that can be used in future employment, internships, and career training.

2. Forestry Work-Based Learning

• Coordinate hands-on forestry work experiences for high school students. • Provide opportunities for students to learn about tree planting, tree identification, tree care, habitat restoration, invasive species, environmental stewardship, and urban forestry. • Connect students with real-world forestry professionals, municipal staff, environmental organizations, and other industry partners. • Help students understand career pathways in forestry, environmental science, natural resources, landscaping, arboriculture, conservation, and related fields. • Assist students in developing work habits, including punctuality, responsibility, teamwork, communication, and proper use of tools and equipment.