Urban Nursery Project Coordinator- Full-time, Term-limit

The Morton Arboretum’s ArbNet and Chicago Region Trees Initiative teams are seeking a coordinator to play a key role in supporting the operational needs of a dynamic project team dedicated to assessing the urban-serving nursery system in the U.S. In this role, you will provide essential support and project coordination for an interdisciplinary group of Arboretum project staff and our extended national partners and community stakeholders. You will handle a variety of tasks, including planning meetings and workshops, coordinating communications, task management, partner and stakeholder engagement, and supporting the development and promotion of urban tree and nursery resources. If you’re a detail-oriented, organized professional who thrives in a collaborative environment, and you are passionate about supporting impactful urban and community forestry work, this position is for you!

Position Summary:  Engage in project coordination, science communication, community, and stakeholder support and outreach, and support the development of urban tree and nursery resources through the U.S. Forest Service’s National Reforestation, Nursery, and Genetic Resource unit (RNGR) nursery directory. Work closely with Arboretum staff, in particular those from ArbNet and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), both founded and led by The Morton Arboretum. Arbnet is the global interactive community of arboreta and CRTI is The Arboretum’s urban and community forestry program, working to improve the health, diversity, and equitable distribution of trees in the Chicago region and throughout Illinois. Key logistical support will include workshop and meeting coordination, task management, partner and stakeholder community engagement, and participation in the creation and promotion of project deliverables in specific project areas. Funding for this position is expected through August 2027, with a potential for extension.

Essential Functions: 

• Provide project and grant coordination, which includes planning meetings and workshops, coordinating communications, and task management with both internal and external partners, and ensure adherence to collaboratively agreed upon timelines.

• Assist in the identification of and engagement with specific audiences, including arboreta, nursery professionals, arborists, and other tree professionals, and urban and community tree advocates. 

• Coordinate promotion of and encourage participation by these audiences in feedback and data-gathering work, such as interviews and surveys.

• Support the development of accessible, digital resources and products, such as a report on the interview and survey results, an inventory of urban and community nurseries, and resources relating to species and tree traits for a changing climate.

• Coordinate and lead workshops for guiding, instructing, and engaging stakeholders with products and resources relating to urban and community tree acquisition and regional recommended tree species for a changing climate.

• Participate in the creation, promotion, and publicizing of products and resources relating to urban and community nurseries and trees for a changing climate, such as writing a newsletter, engaging with social media, and giving presentations.

• Compile and document necessary information to meet reporting requirements for the project.

• 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 preferred, in the areas of forestry, horticulture, community engagement, or natural resource management. 2+ years experience in research, urban forestry, stewardship, or community engagement required. Experience in project coordination, organizing meetings, and presenting events or educational sessions preferred. Experience with community and civic organizations and processes preferred. Good communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and customer service ethic required. Ability to travel to work sites throughout the Midwest and possibly nationally, via public transportation or possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google applications, and social media platforms is beneficial. 

Success Factors: Ability and willingness to work independently in office and field environments. Strong written and oral communication skills. 

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 occasional physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 20 lbs. assisted). Some travel required. 

• Work Environment: Office environment, Arboretum grounds, and off-site locations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. 

• Equipment: General office equipment

• Schedule: Work will require occasional evenings and weekends.

The expected hiring range for this nonexempt position is annualized at $53,000-$55,500 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 

                                                           For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter with application.

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.