Chicago Region Trees Initiative Tree Ambassador Program Steward

Position Summary: Assist in community engagement and planting operations for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative’s (CRTI) Tree Ambassador Program (TAP), providing education, outreach, and activities to community organizations and partners to improve the health of the urban forest and quality of life in the Chicago region. Participate in outreach projects by performing the assigned tasks and duties. Represent The Morton Arboretum to partners and constituents to foster and facilitate improved health and sustainability of the urban and community forest while advancing the mission. Funding for this position is temporary and is expected to run for two years, with potential for extension.

Essential Functions: 

• Assist in coordinating outreach activities for current and potential Tree Ambassador Program(TAP) partners in order to meet assigned outreach goals. Assist in planning and implementing community engagement and planting projects. 

• Perform assigned outreach activities including inputting tree information into the CRTI Canopy Counts Program. Keep notes to inform future outreach in the same community.

• Assist in facilitating the Tree Ambassador Program trainings, Benefits of Trees and Advocacy workshops.

• Maintain materials, equipment, methods, and records of research procedures.

• Research community history and canopy summary information for assigned communities in order to personalize outreach efforts.

• Provide guidance to temporary employees, students, and volunteers, and communicate with external collaborators.

• Help in delivering saplings to Tree Ambassador Program partners. Ensure safety and cleanliness of planting sites. 

• Safely drive Arboretum vehicles with attached equipment trailer or flatbed trailer.

• 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: High School Diploma or GED required. At least one year of experience preferred in the areas of forestry, horticulture, community engagement, or natural resource management.  Experience in 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 Chicago Region 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, Constant Contact, social media, and web content development is beneficial. 

Success Factors: Ability and willingness to work independently in office and field environments. Good 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 physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, lifting and carrying (up to 50 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, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research, hand and power tools, Arboretum pick-up truck and/or utility vehicle.

• Schedule: Work will require seasonal evenings and weekends.

The expected hiring range for this nonexempt position is annualized at $50,000-$51,000 based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider 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 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.