Chicago Region Trees Initiative Stewardship Specialist

Are you passionate about enhancing urban forests and community spaces? The Morton Arboretum is seeking a dedicated CRTI Stewardship Specialist to implement our Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Stewardship Program. In this role, you'll manage key projects and funding, drive outreach and education efforts, and work closely with community organizations and partners to advance the health and sustainability of urban forests. If you have experience in project management, grant coordination, and a strong commitment to urban forestry, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment and quality of life in the Chicago region.

Position Summary: Implement the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) Stewardship Program providing education, outreach, and activities to community organizations, private landowners, and partners to improve the health of the urban forest and quality of life in the Chicago region. Specialize in project management and internal and external funding coordination. Work closely with the CRTI team to support and help implement programs and opportunities including implementation of the CRTI Master Plan. 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 restricted and expected for two years with a potential for extension.

Essential Functions:

• Manage the CRTI Contract Growing Program including forecasting for species and quantities for successful planting programs in partnership with internal and external sources. 

• Manage stewardship-related grants, including reporting, to achieve successful completion. Identify and solicit funding opportunities, including grants, to help support the work of the CRTI Stewardship Program. 

• Implement the stewardship goals and objectives of the CRTI Master Plan.

• Develop and manage outreach, education, activities, and events for private landowners, individuals, community-based organizations, and volunteers to improve community advocacy, urban forestry skills, and advocacy for urban trees.

• Provide coordination for the Tree Stewardship and Planting Work Group to ensure CRTI goals and objectives are achieved. Coordinate logistical arrangements for programs and workshops as needed.

• Liaise with the development department to facilitate corporate planting support for the Stewardship cohort. 

• Contribute to contact database, resources, and web content for designated constituents and integrate into CRTI databases. 

• Conduct research for projects as needed. Compile, organize, and present information in print and verbal communication. Occasionally work on projects and activities that take place outside of the seven county region. 

• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, natural resource management, or project management. 3+ years related experience required, such as research, grant management, or project management. International Society of Arboriculture certification preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills required with prior experience presenting in front of an audience. Experience working with under-resourced communities and organizations is highly 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, Salesforce, social media, web content development, and Google applications beneficial. 

Success Factors: Proactive, self-motivated, highly organized, and detail oriented. Strong collaboration, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous deadlines. Effective time-management skills and a positive and flexible approach to the job. 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 and genuine enthusiasm for working with the public. 

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 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. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of the final offer. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package 

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.