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 about 18,000 volunteers each year to plant trees and native landscapes, organize litter cleanups, turn vacant lots into pocket parks, restore habitat, and educate and employ youth.

KIB helps people and nature thrive most effectively when we reflect the diversity of perspectives, voices, and abilities found throughout the city. KIB is an equal opportunity employer than encourages applicants - including people of color; people who are LGBTQ; veterans; people who are multilingual or multicultural; and individuals of various ages and abilities - to help us create a team with a broad range of backgrounds and thinking.

Job Title: Urban Naturalist Coordinator
Full-/Part-Time: Full-time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Salary: $42,600 - $46,600 annually
Reports To: Urban Naturalist Senior Manager
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. This is a 2-year position that provides day-to-day support to the Urban Naturalist teams and works closely with the Senior Manager of Urban Naturalists. In addition, this position will help organize and track work related to a multi-year INDOT project. 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 Senior Manager and 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 Senior Manager.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

• UN Team Support
  • Assist with recruiting, hiring, and onboarding Urban Naturalist team members
  • Support the Senior Manager in advertising and interviewing for Urban Naturalist positions
  • Provide daily guidance, training, and support to two teams of Urban Naturalists
  • Help create and follow weekly work schedules for UN Teams
  • Support training sessions and career-focused enrichment activities
  • Build positive working relationships with team members and help create a supportive team culture
  • Assist with weekly team meetings and hands-on learning activities such as plant and tree identification
  • Help track project data and support reporting needs
• INDOT Project Coordination
  • Support the Senior Manager in maintaining and monitoring over 100 acres of INDOT project sites
  • Assist with site monitoring, species surveys, and creating basic work plans
  • Use GIS tools to help track native and invasive species across project areas (training provided)
  • Communicate with internal KIB staff and INDOT partners to help prioritize work and resources
  • Assist with writing seasonal reports summarizing plant health and site progress
  • Help coordinate work with contractors and support on-site evaluations
  • Use herbicide, fleet vehicles, and power tools to assist with vegetation management
  • Guide UN teams through assigned work tasks with support from the Senior Manager
• Tree Maintenance and Habitat Restoration
  • Assist with long-term monitoring ("closeouts") of KIB planting projects
  • Help collect and organize data on tree health and survivability
  • Support annual habitat restoration site maintenance
  • Lead invasive species management workdays when the Senior Manager is unavailable
  • Assist with planning and leading public and corporate volunteer workdays
  • Work alongside volunteers and support other project leaders during restoration events
  • Assist other DNL teams with projects such as mulching, tree planting, habitat restoration, and GreenSpace projects as needed
  • Coordinate with the Youth Tree Team Manager and Urban Naturalist Senior Manager to support tree maintenance and data collection efforts
• General Responsibilities
  • Work collaboratively with other KIB departments to ensure a meaningful and educational experience for Urban Naturalist teams
  • Follow all safety protocols and help ensure a safe work environment for staff and volunteers
  • Assist with any additional duties as assigned in service to the mission of KIB

Job Requirements:

• Interest in Indiana native plants, trees, and invasive species (training provided)
• Enjoy working outdoors in a hands-on environment
• Passion for learning and supporting the learning of others
• Ability to make thoughtful decisions that support team safety and well-being
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Willingness to learn horticultural maintenance practices and plant identification

Education and 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

Requirements:

• Two-year commitment required
• Indiana Pesticide Applicator License or willingness to obtain one
• Ability to carry a 30-lb herbicide backpack for extended periods
• Physically able to lift heavy items (up to 50 lbs) consistently throughout a regular workday
• Comfort walking, standing for long hours, and withstanding working outdoors in all seasons
• Ability to accommodate seasonal nature of workload, including working weekends and/or evenings as needed
• Valid driver's license with six points or fewer
• Ability to or willingness to learn how to:
  • Pull a 20-25' long trailer behind a full-sized pickup truck
  • Operate large machinery, including but not limited to skid steers, excavators, and forklifts
  • Use a variety of small power landscape tools: chainsaw, brush cutter, etc.
• Exhibit KIB's Cultural Values of Teamwork, Accountability, Excellence, Welcoming All Voices, Balance, and Joy