Adjunct Faculty - Skills Training, Urban Forestry & Tree Care

The Adjunct Instructor for Skills Training – Adjunct Faculty positions are temporary, part-time positions hired on an as-needed basis. The adjunct instructor will be responsible for creating a learning environment that assists students in reaching their goals and for providing effective instruction and assessment within the framework of workforce and non-credit training.

The instructor facilitates applied learning in classroom and field environments, emphasizing safety, technical skill development, environmental stewardship, and workforce readiness. This role supports both arboriculture operations (e.g., equipment use, rigging, chainsaw safety) and urban forestry practices (e.g., tree planting, inventory, community engagement)

• Deliver high-quality, hands-on instruction across arboriculture and urban forestry topics in classroom and field settings.
• Facilitate training aligned with TCIA, ANSI Z133, ANSI A300, OSHA, and USDA Urban & Community Forestry guidelines.
• Lead safety-focused instruction including PPE use, hazard awareness, electrical hazards, jobsite setup, and urban risk factors.
• Provide hands-on training in equipment and technical skills such as chainsaw operation, wood chippers, rope and rigging, pruning, and tree planting.
• Teach tree identification, health assessment, site evaluation, and invasive species management.
• Introduce tree inventory methods, including mobile tools and basic GIS concepts where applicable.
• Plan and facilitate community engagement and service-learning projects related to tree care and urban forestry.
• Prepare and deliver lesson plans aligned with established short-term certificate curricula.
• Supervise and evaluate students during hands-on activities, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, student progress, and assessments in accordance with college policies.
• Foster an inclusive, safety-first learning environment that supports student success and workforce readiness.
• Collaborate with Employer Training Coordinators, community partners, and campus leadership to meet workforce training needs.
• Participate in program wrap-up activities, including assessments and career exploration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant industry experience in arboriculture, urban forestry, forestry, landscaping, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable industry standards and practices, including TCIA, ANSI Z133, ANSI A300, OSHA, and/or USDA Urban & Community Forestry guidelines.
• Hands-on experience with tree care practices such as chainsaw operation, pruning, tree planting, rigging, or site management.
• Ability to safely lead hands-on, outdoor training in a variety of environmental and weather conditions.
• Knowledge of tree identification, basic tree health, and common invasive species.
• Strong communication and instructional skills with the ability to engage diverse learner populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry credentials such as ISA Certified Arborist, TCIA certifications, or related credentials.
• Experience in both arboriculture operations and/or urban forestry or municipal forestry programs.
• Experience delivering hands-on, workforce, or adult education training.
• Familiarity with GIS tools, mobile inventory platforms, or digital data collection methods.
• Experience with community engagement, volunteer coordination, or public-facing environmental initiatives.
• Prior experience working with municipal, utility, nonprofit, or commercial tree care organizations.
• Work Environment
  Part-time position with instruction delivered in classroom and outdoor field settings, including community and jobsite locations. Work may occur during day, evening, or weekend hours and requires leading hands-on, physically active training in varying weather conditions. Travel within the local service area is required, and adherence to safety protocols and PPE use is expected at all times.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our part-time employees. These benefits include:

Health & Wellness

• Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses

• Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• All employees can contribute pre-tax or post-tax dollars through payroll deduction to build retirement savings

Educational Benefits

• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and legal dependents.

For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.