The Chicago Urban Conservation Program builds on the Conservancy’s science-based, collaborative, results-oriented approach and its record of contributing creative and effective solutions to conservation challenges. We work to achieve benefits for people and nature in Chicago and neighboring communities by increasing access to and engagement with urban nature, increasing urban biodiversity and improving community resilience and public health by implementing natural solutions as essential components of a healthy, just, climate-resilient city. All our work is done collaboratively in partnership with other leading agencies and organizations across Chicago and neighboring communities and aligned with environmental and social justice priorities.
The Community Stewardship Program Manager will manage the community stewardship program and supervise volunteers who perform restoration, conservation, monitoring, and engagement work on Chicago Park District natural areas, complementing the efforts of the Department of Cultural and Natural Resources. This position will be under the joint direction of the Director of Community Engagement (The Nature Conservancy) and the Natural Areas Project Manager (Chicago Park District).
The Community Stewardship Program Manager will be responsible for assisting Chicago Park District (CPD) staff to empower and engage community members to care for and activate CPD natural areas. The Manager will be responsible for education, recruitment, training, and coordination of a wide diversity of volunteers for stewardship activities such as assisting with ecological restoration and monitoring of species in natural areas, thus building the District’s capacity to accomplish such activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work with natural areas project managers, site managers, and other staff and contractors to determine and coordinate various volunteer activities in Chicago Park District natural areas and assist site stewards with goal setting and problem solving.
- Work with CPD staff to approve work orders, workday management plans and schedules.
- Recruit a diversity of stewardship volunteers through various methods including relationship building and partnering with community organizations, and working with community members at a neighborhood level.
- Develop retention, recognition and training opportunities for natural areas volunteers.
- Recruit and supervise volunteer ecological monitors, coordinate training workshops, and maintain records of ecological monitoring activities.
- Coordinate, advertise and supervise stewardship workdays, and organize stewardship special events.
- Maintain stewardship volunteer database, keep records of workday activities and attendance, and work with staff and volunteers to update the community stewardship handbook.
- Work with staff and volunteers to develop stewardship partnerships with environmental groups, community organizations, corporate groups, advisory councils, museums, faith groups, local schools and universities.
- Work with staff and volunteers to find creative ways to engage the public and develop new outreach and educational opportunities and materials for the program.
- Assist and coordinate school group participation with CPD office of Outdoor and Environmental Education.
- Attend and represent CPD and TNC at conferences to disseminate informational materials about the stewardship program.
- Assist the CPD Project Manager with projects such as interpretive signage, website updates, press releases, fact sheets, etc.
- Create reports, submit annual budgets and contribute information for grants, press releases, and other materials to increase awareness of stewardship program.
- Provide workday activity information to CPD for the purpose of reporting and updating natural area management plans.
- Work with TNC marketing and CPD staff to create annual community stewardship report.
- Collaborate with the Chicago Urban Program and other TNC networks as needed to contribute to program development and share best practices.
- Principal work location is the CPD office in Chicago, Illinois, with supplemental space at the TNC Chicago office. Due to the flexibility required in this position other work locations may be utilized from time to time. Work on weekends and some evenings will be expected.
- The employee will need to pass a CPD background check prior to employment.
- 1 year related experience in community engagement and/or custodial and ecological land management or similar field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers.
- Possession of a valid driver's license, or obtain within 6 months of employment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2-3 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems in the Chicago region. Ability to recognize plant and animal species to implement management activities.
- Extensive experience working across differences such as race, culture, disabilities, socio-economic class and language group. Multilingual or bilingual skills appreciated, particularly Spanish.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Experience in volunteer management including recruiting, training and supervising volunteers.
- Experience working with multiple organizations and complex organizational structures.
- Possession of Illinois Herbicide license, or obtain within 6 months of employment.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) and managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel and web browsers), database management, social media and promotional materials development.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.