The Morton Arboretum is seeking two experienced individuals who can join the team to help build strong community relationships through outreach and engagement of community leaders and staff. These individuals will need to be able to write and manage grants, including implementation of projects at the local and statewide scale. They should have a strong interest in environmental policy and working directly with government entities across the state to help with the management of their trees. The successful candidates will need to be able to relay complex topics and strategies to a wide range of audiences in small and large group settings in a clear and concise way through written and oral expression. The CRTI is seeking people who are well-organized and self-motivated to help our team succeed. This is a hybrid-eligible position.
Position Summary: Coordinate and assist with the implementation of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Community Program, providing education, outreach, and activities to public landowners and managers to improve the health of the urban forest and quality of life in the Chicago region. Coordinate communication and database resources for designated constituents. Represent CRTI to partners and constituents to foster and facilitate improved health and sustainability of the urban and community forest and advance the mission of The Morton Arboretum. Funding for this position is expected for 12 months through restricted funding to CRTI, with a potential for extension.
Essential Functions:
- Coordinate outreach, education, and activities to public landowners and managers to improve community policy, advocacy, and skills, and provide resources related to urban forestry grants and special funding. Prioritize and manage special projects related to community activities for CRTI.
- Assist in implementing the community goals and objectives of the CRTI Master Plan and CRTI Community Program.
- Provide support and coordination for the Trees and Green Infrastructure Work Group to ensure CRTI goals and objectives are achieved.
- Assist with management and implementation of grants and grant outcomes including data collection and reporting, related CRTI tracking, and the IDNR Community Accomplishments Reporting System (CARS) contact database. Solicit and write grant and funding proposals.
- Produce a quarterly newsletter to constituents on funding and resource opportunities.
- Conduct research for projects as needed. Compile, organize, and present data in print and verbal communication.
- Assist in the collection and input of community based data and contacts in the CRTI database. Organize and maintain community based CRTI files and records.
- Occasionally work on projects and activities that take place outside of the seven county region.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, or natural resource management. 2+ years experience required, with grant management preferred. International Society of Arboriculture certification preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills required with prior experience presenting in front of an audience preferred. Experience with community and civic organizations and processes preferred. Familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Constant Contact, Salesforce, social media, web content development, and Google applications beneficial.
Success Factors: Effective time-management skills and a positive and flexible approach to the job. Strong collaborative and communication skills especially in terms of cultural awareness. Ability to nimbly manage complex tasks and concurrent projects. Customer service oriented with the ability to relate effectively with persons internal and external to the Arboretum. Ability to embrace and operate in line with our employee core values to take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.
Physical Demands 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 job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: limited lifting and carrying (up to 40 lbs.), walking over uneven terrain, regular local travel by car, truck, or train.
- Work Environment: Office environment and various venues for community events. Occasional outside work is required including digging, pruning, and planting of trees.
- Equipment: General office equipment, digital camera, shovel, wire cutters, pruners, Arboretum truck and trailer.
- Schedule: Work requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
For full consideration, please include resume and cover letter with application.
Position Description & Application