Urban Naturalist Coordinator

:

1029 Fletcher Ave, Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46203

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) is an environmental and community nonprofit with a mission to help people and nature thrive. We partner with neighborhoods, local government, universities, community groups, and businesses to achieve our vision of an Indianapolis that is loved, cared for, and ecologically rich. We work with thousands of volunteers each year to plant trees and native landscapes, organize litter cleanups, develop, and support community placemaking, restore habitat, and employ youth.

KIB helps people and nature thrive most effectively when we reflect the diversity of perspectives, voices, and abilities found throughout our city. The principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential to our work - from supporting biodiversity in nature to engaging communities. KIB is an equal opportunity employer that encourages applicants - regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status - to create a team that benefits from a broad range of backgrounds and thinking.

Job Title: Urban Naturalist Coordinator Full-/Part-Time: Full-time Regular/Temporary: Regular Salary: $18.50 - $19.25 / hr Reports To: Manager of Urban Naturalists (UNM) Benefits: Health, dental, & vision insurance; company-paid life and long-term disability insurance; 403b match of 3%; generous PTO and holiday schedule

Purpose: KIB's Urban Naturalist (UN) Program exists as a professional development opportunity for college students with an interest in pursuing future careers in an environmentally related field or industry. The UN Team(s) perform a variety of outdoor work geared towards the improvement of environmental and social conditions within the city of Indianapolis, while also participating in weekly enrichment activities with the purpose of exposing the UN team members to a variety of different environmental careers. The UN Coordinator will serve as the primary support for the UN Manager and UN Team(s) with a dedication to urban forestry in underserved areas. The UN Coordinator will be expected to provide daily support and training to the UN team(s), under the direction of the UN Manager.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

• Assist with the annual recruiting, hiring, and onboarding process of two Urban Naturalist teams. Support Manager of UNs to advertise and interview for the Urban Naturalist team(s).
• Oversee and work with two teams of college students to maintain multiple horticulture projects across the city, including native landscapes and green storm water infrastructure.
• Work with Manager of UN to develop and maintain weekly schedule for UN Team(s).
• Oversee training and enrichment opportunities for UN Team Members, as instructed by Manager of UNs.
• Assist the Manager of UNs with planning, data tracking, and reporting for all UN projects, including but not limited to creating planting schemes, tracking weekly maintenance tasks, and reporting work back to Manager of UNs.
• Assist other Department of Native Landscape teams with projects, including pruning, mulching, tree unloading and planting, habitat restoration, and GreenSpace projects as available.
• Work with other KIB departments as necessary to provide the Urban Naturalist team(s) with a fulfilling, educational, and productive season at KIB.
• Work with UNM and Youth Tree Team Manager (YTTM) to coordinate and facilitate tree maintenance efforts and ensure accurate data is collected, including structural tree pruning on KIB trees and measuring survivability of KIB tree planting projects.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal connections with UN team(s).
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Willingness to perform all basic horticultural maintenance practices (including ability to positively identify a weed vs. an intentional native plant).
• Possess a valid Indiana Driver's License.
• Willingness to work outside during all weather conditions.
• Skilled in tool and machinery use, including shovels, wheelbarrows, pick axes, chainsaws, skid steers, and more.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, excel, word and general organizational software.
• Able to regularly lift over 40 pounds.
• Will be required to walk long distances and withstand physical demands of the job.

Characteristics of a Strong Candidate:

• Strong working knowledge of Indiana native plants and invasive species and motivated in working outdoors.
• Passion for learning and helping others to do the same.
• Ability to use good judgment in decisions that help the health and safety of the UNs.
• Exhibit KIB's Values of Teamwork, Responsibility, Excellence, Openness, Balance, and Joy.

Education and/or equivalent experience:

• Bachelor's degree or two or more years' experience in landscaping, horticulture, botany, or related fields preferred.
• Previous experience in KIB's Urban Naturalist Program required.