Community Engagement Coordinator

NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY

Job Description

Job Title: Community Engagement Coordinator

Department: Community Engagement & Impact

Location: 97-77 Queens Blvd, 5th Floor, Rego Park, NY 11374

Report To Title: Senior Manager, Trails Program 

Schedule & Hours: M-F, 9 am –5 pm; 35 hours per week

Workplace Flexibility Modality: Hybrid, 2 days in office

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

ABOUT THE NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY: The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on the care of our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming. Through these efforts we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits because we believe that by working together–with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks–we can create healthy and thriving natural spaces and more resilient and connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26-city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.

POSITION OVERVIEW: There are approximately 275 miles of formalized trail in New York City that provide New Yorkers access to nearly 20,000 acres of natural areas on city parkland. Since 2017, the Natural Areas Conservancy has worked with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) to formalize, improve, and steward those trails. The NAC has been leading the training of advanced volunteers since 2019 to steward and activate these spaces, with a goal of having every mile of trail adopted by an advanced volunteer or community group. We provide training to these advanced volunteers on trail design and maintenance to empower them to adopt and maintain trails in their communities. The role of Community Engagement Coordinator will report to the Senior Manager, Trail Program and will recruit and train advanced volunteers citywide to help us achieve our goal of long-term maintenance and activation, and provide engaging community programming to teach New Yorkers about the benefits of  natural areas. This role will also collaborate with our Trails Manager on advanced volunteer training.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce scopes of work, training and support to new volunteers for trail improvement projects such as non-native/invasive plant management, corridor pruning, and forest restoration activities
• Collaborate with the Trails Manager to identify project sites, support training and project work on trail structures such as: water bars, check step, puncheons, locally sourced or lumber/rock structure
• Conduct outreach to volunteers, event attendees, and other community members
• Collaborate with Senior Manager, Manager, and colleagues at NYC Parks to scope trail improvement projects suitable for volunteers
• Create, support, and lead ongoing programming and event opportunities in natural areas to engage the public in the benefits and management of natural areas
• Document all new and ongoing volunteer projects, and report on the efforts of local trail stewards
• Collaborate with Manager to develop training curriculum for volunteer groups and individuals that are properly suited to their skill level and interest
• Support training and supervision of trail and forest restoration event volunteers as needed
• In partnership with the Senior Manager, implement strategies to build a culture of engagement and belonging among volunteers

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-3 years’ experience engaging volunteers
• Experience developing and managing partnerships
• Experience planning and executing public events
• Experience with workplace safety practices
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and liaise with a wide range of senior stakeholders
• Willingness to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Valid New York State driver’s license

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in environmental science or outdoor recreation
• Experience initiating or growing volunteer programs
• Knowledgeable about trail design, construction, and maintenance

Benefits/ Additional Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability Insurance, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, sick time, personal time, vacation time, paid holidays, professional development funds, and wellness programs.

JOB LOCATION:

This job will be 70% field-based and 30% office-based or remote, with typically a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule. The Community Engagement Coordinator should be willing to work from a primary office location in Queens when needed, and field work reporting locations in all five boroughs of New York City. Access to a reliable network connection for meetings and presentations is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with NAC is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at the NAC.

To Apply

Click “Apply for this position” and upload an up-to-date resume, including relevant experience for the position.