Job Detail
Chicago Region Trees Initiative Intern - Seasonal
Location: Lisle, IL
Salary:
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) is a partnership for coordinated action on key issues facing trees. CRTI is leveraging funding, knowledge, skills, and expertise to build a healthier, more diverse regional forest. CRTI is based out of The Morton Arboretum, a world-renowned nonprofit dedicated to protecting and growing trees locally and globally. This hands-on internship involves direct stewardship work with a primary focus to help plan and execute tree plantings as well as improve community advocacy, skills, and resources for urban forestry. You will be part of an incredible team working together to make the Chicago Region Trees Program and the Arboretum exceptional.
Position Summary: Assist with implementation of the Master Plan for the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), a regional collaborative of organizations working together to improve quality of life through a healthier urban forest. Provide direct stewardship with a primary focus to help plan and execute tree plantings as well as improve community advocacy, skills, and resources for urban forestry.
Essential Functions:
- Work with the CRTI team to accomplish goals and outcomes as identified in grant or project details.
- Assist with tree planting events by helping with equipment maintenance, site preparation, proper tree planting, and site clean up.
- Work with partners to physically care for existing and newly planted trees.
- Complete tree planting inventories through the CRTI tree app. Assist with community tree inventory projects including data collection, mapping, analysis and tree app use.
- Provide outreach and education to private landowners, individuals, and volunteers and assist in meeting the CRTI goals and objectives.
- Attend and provide required assistance for meetings, webinars, and conference calls. May coordinate logistical arrangements for programs and workshops.
- Contribute to the contact database for constituents, maintain community based CRTI files and records.
- Conduct research and analysis for projects as needed. Compile, organize and present information in print, verbally, and visually.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Experience in forestry, horticulture, community engagement, or natural resource management preferred. 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 Suite, Constant Contact, social media, and web content development and experience with Google applications beneficial.
Success Factors: Effective time-management skills and a positive and flexible approach to the job. Ability to nimbly manage complex tasks and concurrent projects. Customer service oriented with the ability to relate effectively with persons internal and external to the Arboretum. Ability to embrace and operate in line with our employee core values to take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.
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 perform these
essential functions.
- Physical Demands: Requires moderate physical activity: lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.), walking over uneven terrain, digging with a shovel, regular local travel by car, truck, or train.
- Work Environment: Office environment and various venues for community events.
- Regular outside work is required including digging, pruning, and planting of trees.
- Equipment: General office equipment, digital camera, tree cart, wheelbarrow, shovel, rake, pickaxe, wire cutters, box cutters, loppers, and pruners.
- Schedule: Work requires frequent evening and weekend hours.
For full consideration, please include cover letter and CV with application.
The Morton Arboretum is a champion of 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.
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