Coordinator, Community Conservation

Missouri Botanical Garden•St. Louis, MO

10d•$24

About The Position

The Community Conservation Coordinator leverages the Missouri Botanical Garden’s expertise in plant conservation, horticulture, native and invasive plant species, environmental education, and ecological restoration to engage communities and build their capacity to steward local lands and waters. Approximately 75% of the role involves office work coordinating, planning, and reporting on community ecological stewardship programming; approximately 25% is fieldwork. The coordinator plans and delivers community-based conservation projects, public education, volunteer activities, and stewardship actions that protect and enhance regional biodiversity. The position works with Garden departments and external conservation partners to translate science into practical strategies, builds collaborative relationships, and identifies new audiences, project sites, and opportunities. It also supports assigned rainscaping programs, maintains designated digital resources, and helps secure funding. The role includes frequent travel within Missouri and surrounding areas, occasional transportation of participants or volunteers in a 15-passenger van, and work at indoor and outdoor locations. Outdoor work may occur in all weather conditions, including temperatures above 100°F and below 0°F. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Manager, Sustainability Programs – Natural Environment Programs.

Requirements

At least three years of work in the conservation field; experience in ecology, restoration, or forest management is preferred.
At least two years of experience working with biodiversity topics such as invasive species removal, native plant horticulture, land management, or native plant landscaping.
At least two years of experience working with diverse public audiences.
Knowledge of invasive plant species, native plant landscaping, ecological restoration, and environmental education.
Experience and knowledge of ecological restoration best practices that enhance regional biodiversity.
Interest in environmental issues and dedication to fairly representing all sides of such issues.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to use and maintain specialty tools and gear for invasive plant removal and basic gardening tools such as trowels, shovels, and pruners.
Ability to communicate effectively and accurately in English, orally and in writing.
Proficient high-school-level math skills, including arithmetic and calculating percentages and decimals.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, apply facts and principles to problem solving, and take action.
Valid driver’s license; must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license with Class E certification within the first two months of employment.
Ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
Able to acquire a Missouri Pesticide Applicator License upon hiring.
Ability to lift 35 pounds or more, use land-management and restoration tools and technologies, and stand and move about indoors and outdoors for extended periods.
Must be able to drive a 15-passenger van.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community engagement best practices.
Experience in experiential or investigation-based teaching.
Experience with ArcGIS mapping.
Prior experience working for a conservation organization or agency.
Bachelor’s degree in education, science education, ecology, forest ecology, forestry, restoration ecology, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field; equivalent combinations of skills, education, training, and practitioner experience may be considered.
S130/190 Wildland Firefighter Certification.
Chainsaw Safety Certification.
ISA Certified Arborist Certification.

Responsibilities

Coordinate community-based projects involving education, public awareness, and stewardship actions to protect and enhance regional biodiversity.
Coordinate call-to-action alerts and prepare website updates, e-newsletters, and digital and social media posts about regional stewardship opportunities.
Plan, organize, and implement the Honeysuckle Sweep for Healthy Habitats, including year-round invasive plant removal, native plant establishment volunteer events, and ecological restoration activities in priority communities.
Coordinate the annual City Nature Challenge and iNaturalist species inventory competition.
Collaborate with Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, Butterfly House, and external conservation professionals to apply current science to invasive plant removal, ecological restoration, monitoring, and land management.
Coordinate and lead local volunteer corps, including recruiting and training volunteers, organizing workdays at priority sites, and collaborating with partner organizations.
On occasion, transport program participants or volunteers to work sites in a 15-passenger van.
Identify and recruit audiences for project activities, including students, teachers, landowners, community groups, municipalities, parks departments, and policymakers.
Develop and deliver community education programs, talks, and workshops; promote conservation strategies and train community members in habitat management and conversion practices.
Develop and facilitate collaborative partnerships; represent the Garden with regional conservation leaders, agencies, professional alliances, and nonprofit conservation organizations; serve as a liaison with conservation professionals.
Identify new stewardship opportunities, collaborations, and project sites.
Assist with the Department’s Deer Creek Watershed Alliance Rainscaping Cost-Share (Rebate) Program and MSD Rainscaping Small Grants Program as assigned by the Sustainability Projects Manager.
Represent the Garden at relevant community outreach events and conservation initiatives, including the Missouri Invasive Plant Council and Community Stewardship Alliance.
Maintain and update the BiodiverseCity STL website and BiomeSTL ArcGIS Story Map.
Assist with securing funding for community conservation projects.
Ensure financial and program goals are met, including ordering supplies, recruiting participants, managing budgets, evaluating outcomes, and reporting activities and impacts.
Follow applicable safety standards, communicate safety guidance to participants and volunteers, monitor safe work practices, adapt methods to reduce hazards, and promptly report accidents, injuries, and near misses.
Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct and knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, and systems; meet attendance expectations and follow established policies.
Communicate and behave in ways that foster teamwork and cooperation with colleagues, volunteers, visitors, and community partners.
Perform other duties as assigned.