Nature Outpost Stewardship Coordinator (Part-Time, Seasonal)
Summary
| Title: | Nature Outpost Stewardship Coordinator (Part-Time, Seasonal) |
|---|---|
| ID: | 1206 |
| Department: | Conservation Partnerships and Programs |
Description
The Nature Outpost Stewardship Coordinator will coordinate and facilitates pilot programming in partnership with Urban Rivers. These Programs aim to connect the public the Chicago River and other local natural areas through hands-on stewardship, plant and wildlife monitoring, and other educational opportunities. The Coordinator will be responsible for leading programs, organizing and ordering program supplies, developing promotional strategies, and communicating with program participants and partner organizations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.
- Program Coordination
- With director of conservation action, create plan for programming, partnership development, and communications.
- Develop and deliver all aspects of programming including registration, facilitation, evaluation, communication with participants, and managing supplies and equipment.
- Develop programming to promote Shedd conservation messaging and also meets the diverse needs of different audiences.
- Track all waivers and metrics for achieving program goals in an organized and timely manner. Communicate metrics to internal stakeholders and partner organizations as needed.
- Support collaborative efforts with other Shedd departments, including but not limited to the Corporate Relations, Learning, and Guest Engagement teams.
- Represent Shedd’s stewardship programs for internal and external audiences.
- Foster key partner relationships and represent Shedd’s best interests, especially with Urban Rivers, Friends of the Chicago River, MWRD, and others.
- Program Facilitation
- Facilitate and independently lead programs related to the partnership with Urban Rives.
- Execute program operations, including supply management and logistics, program set-up and breakdown, driving a Shedd and/or rental vehicle to program locations, activity instruction, and participant monitoring and engagement.
- Ensure best practices and safety protocols are followed at all times during workdays to ensure fun and safe experience.
- Communications
- Serve as Shedd spokesperson for media and other public appearances as assigned.
- Create compelling content for Shedd’s blog and social media channels.
- Build expertise on local environmental issues, applied conservation and habitat restoration, general sustainable practices, and other related topics.
- Research and share related news on these topics with Shedd teams including Conservation Action and Nature Outpost team.
- As needed, support other aspects of Shedd’s conservation work including other conservation stewardship workdays, conservation research projects, and others.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in the areas of conservation, science, education, non-profit management, or a related field.
- Experience:
- At least 4 years of successful experience with program coordination, community engagement, public outreach and program delivery, preferably in a non-profit setting. Preference for applicants with outdoor education experience.
- Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Experience leading environmental conservation programming or stewardship work.
- Experience with citizen science and/or outdoor volunteers a plus.
- Experience kayaking and/or canoeing required.
- Highly organized with an attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to handle large workload in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Excellent written communication skills and a talent for planning and tracking data and activities.
- Aware of current, local, national and international conservation issues, with the ability to effectively and clearly communicate them to various audiences.
- Awareness of Chicago region ecology a plus.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
- Other Skills:
- A love of the outdoors and working with people is necessary.
- Positive attitude and supportive of colleagues in a team-based environment.
- Driven, highly organized self-starter.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and remain flexible and positive despite challenges (e.g., weather conditions, changes in group size, etc.)
- Appreciation for and strong attention to detail.
- Passionate about the environment.
- Poised, articulate professional with diplomacy, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude. A lifelong learner.
- Physical Requirements:
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in natural areas with minimal amenities – including shelter – in all weather.
- Must be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays.
- Must be able to walk/stand/sit for extended periods of time.
- Must have valid driver’s license and willingness to drive company vehicle in city, suburban, and rural settings.
- Must be able to do heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.).
- Preferred Skills:
- Advanced wilderness/outdoor training a plus.
- Technology experience beyond basic computer skills and willingness to learn new technologies.
- A personal vehicle to travel to/from program sites is preferred but not required.
- Designations/Certifications: required/preferred:
- CPR and first aid certified preferred. Wilderness first aid certification a plus.
- Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteer Workday Leadership Certification a plus.
- Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator or Operator license a plus.
This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications
