Chicago Region Trees Initiative Steward - Full-time/Term-limit

Collaborate with diverse communities to support and drive impactful tree planting and engagement efforts as part of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), the urban forestry program at The Morton Arboretum. Work alongside partners and local organizations to build lasting relationships, strengthen environmental stewardship, and lead outreach projects that contribute to a healthier, more resilient urban forest across the Chicagoland region. This is a term-limited position with an expected duration of 12 months, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in both communities and the environment. 

Position Summary: Assist in community engagement and planting operations for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), The Morton Arboretum’s urban and community forestry program. Participate in community engagement projects, coordinate independent events and outreach opportunities, and perform other assigned tasks and duties. Funding for this position is temporary and is expected to run for twelve months.

Essential Functions: 

• Assist in coordinating outreach activities in priority communities in order to meet assigned outreach goals. Assist in planning and implementing community engagement and planting projects. 

• Communicate consistently with team members and external collaborators related to outreach and project implementation. Clearly track methods and research procedures through internal tracking documents and organizational systems

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

• Maintain materials and equipment in their proper storage areas. 

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

• Provide guidance to temporary employees, students, and volunteers.

• Ensure safety and cleanliness of work sites. 

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

• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.

• 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). 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 non-exempt position is annualized at $50,000- 52,000 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.  

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