The Native American nonprofit, Elderberry Wisdom Farm (EWF) is hiring Urban
Forestry Crew Leaders interested in environmental career pathways. Four part-time
positions are available for all individuals who apply. Work starts September 15 and
extends through January 2026 and with potential to continue work through 2028.

 

Individuals interested in urban forestry and other environmental science and natural
resource careers are especially encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be
given to Native Americans and Indigenous crew leaders since they will be working
with students of color in Salem schools, one of the most diverse public school
systems in Oregon. White students make up 38% of the district, so over 60% of
students identify as Hispanic/Latino, multiracial, Asian, Black, or Native American.
Conservation workforce development training will include both classroom education
and outdoor experiential service-learning activities, with Crew Leaders learn to plant
and maintain trees, shrubs and pollinators native to Oregon’s Mid-Willamette
Valley. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) principles, climate adaptation
practices, and peer mentoring training are also included so Crew Leaders can help
the team to mentor middle and high school students. Training is provided by
Elderberry Wisdom Farm staff and project partners, including Oregon Department
of Forestry: Urban and Community Forestry, Friends of Trees and Salem schools.

 

Crew Leaders will work three days a week, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8 am
to 5 pm and must live near Salem in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley or be willing
to move nearby. Salaries are $1,500 per month. Training will occur at two native
plant nursery sites and in local schools. Work includes lifting and carrying heavy
containerized trees, and working outdoors in weather ranging from hot, dry and
dusty to foggy, cold, and rainy. But it’s fulfilling work that will immerse you in nature,
teach you a lot about yourself and build stamina and employment skills that prepare
you for sustainable conservation careers.

For more information, applicants can review EWF’s website and recent newsletters
at www.elderberrywisdom.org. For those interested in applying, the window of
opportunity is narrow. Please send a resume and letter of introduction by early
September to info@elderberrywisdom.org.