Position: The Native Stewardship Lead is essential to the effective and efficient operation of the collaborative Forestry and Community Conservation program within the 24:1. Beyond Housing’s Forestry and Community Conservation program plays a pivotal role in revitalizing and sustaining urban and community forests and native landscapes within the 24:1 community area. We are seeking a dedicated Native Stewardship Lead to direct efforts in enhancing the ecological health of these areas, cultivating a diverse green workforce, and fostering community engagement in environmental stewardship.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Supervise and mentor a team of three Native Stewardship Technicians, including involvement in their hiring and professional development.
- Design and oversee a workforce development initiative targeting skills in native area conservation and management, in addition to providing soft skill training sessions.
- Maintain and enhance bioretention basins and other native landscapes, including the transformation of vacant lots into vibrant native planting sites.
- Manage relationships with municipal officials and partner organizations, fostering collaboration to support the Vacant Lot Remediation Program.
- Engage community members through outreach, promoting active participation in environmental conservation efforts.
- Assist in securing and managing state grants and other funding opportunities for native plant restoration and invasive species removal.
- Coordinate with municipal entities for trash cleanup initiatives and tree planting events, ensuring effective community involvement.
- Track project progress and engage with residents and local officials to foster support for conservation efforts.
- Deliver training sessions for community members and municipal employees on sustainable landscape practices.
- Participate in public relations activities, including media interviews and special event organization, to promote program visibility.
- Assist in budget preparation and financial management to support program initiatives.
- Other duties as required.
Personal Qualities:
- Collaborative — A dynamic personality that is collaboratively minded, can recognize and identify strengths, seek consensus around mutual goals, and build meaningful relationships.
- Creative and Curious — A systems-thinker and builder, who is not afraid to be innovative in designing solutions and has skills in articulating these ideas and concepts.
- Methodical — Strong analytical, systems, and problem solving skills to evaluate performance, prepare reports, and recommend/implement solutions using independent judgment. Ability to move from concepts to action through strong program design and evaluation.
- Reliable — Leadership skills that reflect and value a team approach, demonstrated integrity, effectiveness, efficiency, and the ability to deliver high quality service. Highly capable of handling multiple tasks, projects and timelines. Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Trusted — Ability to work with residents, partners, and staff of diversified backgrounds with a positive, optimistic, solutions oriented attitude. Shares a deep respect for the community, its stakeholders and the residents that we serve.
- Driven — Passion for the work and an interest in continuous learning and improvement.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
- Minimum High School Diploma with ongoing or completed associate degree in Horticulture or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least one year of relevant experience in natural resource management or a related field.
- Knowledgeable in native and invasive plant identification.
- Previous supervisory experience preferred.
- Familiar with landscaping tools and equipment.
- Proficient in driving a truck and trailer in urban environments; a valid Missouri Driver’s License and reliable transportation are required. Must have an acceptable driving record.
- Microsoft Suite proficiency.
- Ability to work with and supervise diverse groups of individuals.
- Capable of working outdoors, interpreting environmental data, and engaging in physical activities.
- Public Pesticide Applicators License preferred (assistance available for certification).
Supervisors:
- Forestry and Community Conservation Program Director & Manager
Supervises:
- Native Stewardship Technicians
Salary and Benefits:
- Full-time salaried position as determined in current Beyond Housing Employee Handbook
- Salary: $45,760
Application Instructions:
Please send resume and cover letter to hr@beyondhousing.org. This job will remain posted until it is filled. For more information on Beyond Housing, visit www.beyondhousing.org
