Job Title: Program Associate (Contract / Part-Time)
Organization: We Plant it Forward
Location: Raleigh/Durham Area, NC (Remote with regional on-site event execution)
Position Type: Independent Contractor
Pay Rate: $25.00 / hour (up to $6,000 total contract value)
Hours: Part-time, up to 20 hours per week for 12 weeks (240 total hours)

About We Plant it Forward
We Plant it Forward is a Raleigh-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring and enhancing environmental health by facilitating native tree planting, seed collection, and community giveaway initiatives. Located in Raleigh, NC, we engage volunteers and community partners to plant a greener future across the Triangle region.

Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, self-motivated Program Associate to support our community-focused conservation and environmental education initiatives. This role is ideal for students or professionals in forestry, environmental technology, natural resources, environmental education, or non-profit administration.

The Program Associate will work under limited supervision and alongside other staff following initial training to lead native tree seed collections, direct tree planting events, coordinate seedling giveaways, and support key community outreach events across the greater Raleigh/Durham region.

Key Responsibilities
Native Tree Seed Collections:

• Plan and facilitate native tree seed collection events across site locations in the Raleigh/Durham area.
• Coordinate logistics, source materials, and manage volunteers and site partners on event days.
• Process collected seeds and transfer them to partner nurseries for seedling propagation.
• Research new sites and species of native tree seeds to expand collection efforts and build regional conservation partnerships.

Tree Planting & Giveaways:

• Plan and execute tree planting events and seedling giveaways across the Triangle area.
• Conduct site assessment visits, procure materials, manage day-of event execution, and conduct post-event follow-ups or tree care as directed.
• Coordinate with volunteers, site owners, and community partners.

Special Events & Community Engagement:

• Assist the Executive Director with special community events, such as the annual Raleigh Arbor Day celebration and the We Plant it Forward Community Appreciation event.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and social media leads to promote programs to diverse regional audiences.

Administration & Reporting:

• Promptly communicate program outcomes, achievements, and improvement opportunities to the Executive Director.
• Accurately input program and event data into tracking spreadsheets.
• Send follow-up thank-you communications to volunteers and event hosts.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Workplace: Remote workspace (home office) combined with field work and event coordination across the greater Raleigh/Durham area.
• Schedule: Flexible scheduling set by the contractor, up to 20 hours per week. Must maintain regular availability via phone/email coordinated with WPiF Executive Direcotor.
• Equipment: Contractor is responsible for providing their own computer, phone, standard tools, and work setup.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Background or coursework in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, Environmental Education, or related fields.
• Ability to work independently under limited supervision following initial orientation and training.
• Strong organizational, volunteer coordination, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of native tree species and local ecology in North Carolina is highly desirable.
• Access to reliable transportation across the Raleigh/Durham area for field visits, event setups, and seed collection projects.

Contract Terms

• Employment Status: Independent Contractor (1099).
• Compensation: $25.00/hour, billed monthly, up to a maximum contract cap of $6,000.00 (240 total hours).
• Duration: 12 weeks / 3 months (commencing upon start date).