Urban Forestry Stewardship Coordinator

Are you dedicated to improving urban green spaces and enhancing community environments? The Morton Arboretum is looking for a committed individual to oversee our Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Stewardship Program.
In this position, you will lead significant projects and funding efforts, promote outreach and educational initiatives, and collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to foster the health and sustainability of urban forests.

Position Overview: Oversee the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Stewardship Program by providing education, outreach, and engagement activities to community organizations, private landowners, and partners aimed at enhancing urban forest health and community well-being.
Focus on project management and coordination of funding sources.
Collaborate closely with the CRTI team to support and implement programs and initiatives, including the execution of the CRTI Master Plan.
Act as a representative of CRTI to partners and constituents to promote improved health and sustainability of urban and community forests while advancing the mission of The Morton Arboretum.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the CRTI Contract Growing Program, including forecasting species and quantities for successful planting initiatives in collaboration with internal and external partners.Manage stewardship-related grants, ensuring successful completion through effective reporting.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, to support the CRTI Stewardship Program.Implement the stewardship objectives outlined in the CRTI Master Plan.Develop and coordinate outreach, educational programs, activities, and events for private landowners, individuals, community organizations, and volunteers to enhance community advocacy and urban forestry skills.Facilitate the Tree Stewardship and Planting Work Group to ensure the achievement of CRTI goals and objectives.
Coordinate logistical arrangements for programs and workshops as necessary.Collaborate with the development department to secure corporate support for the Stewardship cohort.Contribute to the maintenance of contact databases, resources, and web content for designated stakeholders and integrate them into CRTI databases.Conduct research for various projects as required.
Compile, organize, and present information in both print and verbal formats.
Occasionally engage in projects and activities outside of the seven-county region.Exhibit alignment with the Arboretum's core values, which emphasize inclusivity, ownership, collaboration, continuous learning, and excellence.Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: A bachelor's degree is required in fields such as forestry, horticulture, natural resource management, or project management.
At least 3 years of relevant experience is required, including research, grant management, or project management.
Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture is preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, with prior experience in public presentations.
Experience working with under-resourced communities and organizations is highly valued.
Familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis is preferred.
A valid driver's license is required, subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Salesforce, social media, web content development, and Google applications is beneficial.

Success Attributes: Proactive, self-driven, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
Strong collaboration, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
Excellent time-management skills and a positive, adaptable approach to work.
Ability to navigate complex tasks and concurrent projects with ease.
Customer service-oriented with the capacity to engage effectively with individuals both internal and external to the Arboretum, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for public engagement.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Requirements: Involves some physical activity, including limited lifting and carrying (up to 40 lbs.), walking over uneven terrain, and regular local travel by vehicle.Work Environment: Office setting and various venues for community events.
Occasional outdoor work is required, including activities such as digging, pruning, and planting trees.Equipment: General office equipment, digital camera, shovel, wire cutters, pruners, and Arboretum vehicles.Schedule: Position may require occasional evening and weekend hours.

For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.

The expected hiring range for this nonexempt position is annualized at $55,500-$63,630 based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process.
The Morton Arboretum is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture that attracts, inspires, and engages individuals to achieve success.
The Arboretum is dedicated to hiring and developing employees based on job-related qualifications, irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status.
To enhance diversity in the public garden sector, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

The Morton Arboretum is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action in employment.
All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.

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