Environmental Programs Coordinator

The Environmental Programs Coordinator at Common Ground Relief in New Orleans, LA, will support environmental restoration and community engagement initiatives. Responsibilities include overseeing a native plant nursery, managing planting projects, supervising volunteers, and conducting educational presentations. The role requires fieldwork throughout Southeast Louisiana and collaboration with community partners. Candidates should have experience in environmental restoration, strong communication skills, and a passion for environmental issues.
About the position

The Environmental Programs Coordinator at Common Ground Relief will play a vital role in supporting the organization's Environmental Programs, which are focused on environmental restoration and community engagement in southern Louisiana. This position is based in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans and involves fieldwork throughout Southeast Louisiana. The coordinator will oversee the native plant nursery, manage urban and coastal tree and marsh grass plantings, supervise volunteers, and provide environmental education to diverse groups. The role requires a hands-on approach, as the coordinator will be actively involved in planting projects, volunteer activities, and the maintenance of property and equipment. The coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director and collaborate with government and community partners to ensure the success of various projects. Responsibilities include scheduling activities that cater to the interests and abilities of volunteers, leading educational presentations on wetlands loss, and ensuring volunteer safety during fieldwork. The coordinator will also be responsible for logistics related to planting projects, including transportation and equipment management. In addition to direct project work, the Environmental Programs Coordinator will engage in outreach, networking, and planning future projects when volunteer groups are not present. The position requires adaptability, independence, and a commitment to the organization's mission of environmental stewardship and community support. The ideal candidate will be passionate about environmental issues and possess the skills necessary to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Responsibilities
• Support Common Ground Relief's Environmental Programs, including the native plant nursery and various planting projects.
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• Supervise and coordinate volunteer activities, ensuring safety and engagement.
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• Conduct educational presentations on wetlands loss to diverse groups of volunteers.
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• Manage logistics for planting projects, including transportation and equipment setup.
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• Maintain the nursery and care for trees and grasses, including potting and weeding tasks.
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• Collaborate with government and community partners on environmental initiatives.
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• Plan and schedule activities suitable for volunteers of varying ages and abilities.
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• Engage in outreach and networking to promote the organization's mission and projects.

Requirements
• At least 1 year of work experience related to environmental restoration or community engagement.
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• Valid US driver's license.
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• Educational background relevant to environmental restoration and knowledge of wetlands issues in Louisiana.
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• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders.
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• Comfortable working in remote areas and making decisions in various ecosystems.
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• Experience with driving boats and trailers, and troubleshooting equipment maintenance.
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• Effective communication skills via email, text, and social media.
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• Public speaking skills in various settings.
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• Organized and able to coordinate multiple projects with deadlines.
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• Passionate about environmental issues and their intersections with social justice.

Nice-to-haves
• Light construction skills
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• Personal vehicle
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• Experience with ArcGIS mapping software
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• Lived experience with environmental justice and disaster recovery in Southeast Louisiana
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• Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental science

Benefits
• Paid time off: 2 weeks in August when the organization closes; 2 weeks flexible vacation; sick days as needed.
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• A QSEHRA covers up to $300/month of healthcare premiums or expenses.
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• Annual professional development fund.
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• Free housing in a private room in a shared volunteer house, with utilities and groceries included.