Recreation & Outreach Coordinator

General Description:
The Recreation and Outreach Coordinator’s position, headquartered at the Pioneer Forest office in Salem, Missouri, is responsible for the recreation and outreach program on all L-A-D Foundation lands. This includes formulating strategic and annual recreation and outreach plans, implementing and maintaining an inventory of trails and interpretive assets on all L-A-D Foundation lands, implementing on the ground recreation and interpretive projects, monitoring recreation asset condition and use. The position works with a variety of partners and contractors as needed to accomplish L-A-D Foundation’s recreation and outreach goals. An essential aspect of the position is to communicate closely with the foundation’s forestry and stewardship teams in planning and implementing program projects and cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders surrounding L-A-D lands. The position maintains close ongoing communication with the Executive Director, Forest and Stewardship Director, Chief Forester, Chief Ecologist, and Land Stewardship Coordinator and assists the Stewardship Committee of the Board of Directors in concert with the Chief Forester and Chief Ecologist. The position requires an approximate 50/50 split of field and office time.

Hours: 40 hours/week, salaried exempt

Benefits:
L-A-D Foundation will offer the successful candidate a highly competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits package which includes an employer sponsored 401(k) with 5% employer contribution,
paid vacation, sick leave and holidays, health and dental insurance, employee development and training, job-necessary clothing and equipment allowance, and a duty vehicle.

Specific Duties:

• Collaborate and communicate with all board, staff, and partners to deliver excellence in management of the L-A-D Foundation’s recreation and interpretive resources.
• Ensure that the recreation and outreach program follow L-A-D Foundation Board policies and the land and recreation stewardship ethics of L-A-D founder Leo Drey.
• Develop a recreation and outreach plan, including inventory and mapping of current recreation and interpretive assets and future recreation opportunities, and developing/coordinating outreach programs.
• Oversee an assessment of recreation and outreach asset conditions and develop annual budgets for the recreation and outreach program.
• Supervise a seasonal recreation crew and contractors, monitoring and inspecting their work on Foundation lands.
• Coordinate and support volunteer efforts on L-A-D lands, especially trail and interpretive site maintenance, and outreach program and activities.
• Work to cultivate financial support from foundations, donors, and/or agencies including identifying grant opportunities and writing grant proposals.

Professional Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Parks Management, Leisure Studies, Tourism, Natural Sciences, Education, Public Administration, Wildlife Management, Forestry, or a related field.
• Five years of professional experience in trails and interpretive site operation/maintenance, outdoor recreation programming, event management, natural resource promotion/education, marketing, environmental education, or a closely related area may substitute for required education.
• Experience using ArcGIS or other mapping tools for recreation planning and monitoring.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with plants, animals, and Ozark natural communities or the motivation and ability to acquire this knowledge and share with public and private partners and Foundation lands visitors.
• Ability to operate a vehicle and maintain a valid Missouri driver’s license.
• Endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions.
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain and hike for an extended length of time.
• Must be able to tolerate working in extreme weather conditions, including excessive heat, cold or rain.
• Position requires occasional overnight travel and working some evenings and weekends when necessary for events and programs.
• Position requires periods of standing during events or programs.

Desired Attributes:

• A passion for natural resource conservation, natural community restoration, sustainable forestry and the recreation and outreach opportunities associated with these.
• Strong organization and project management skills, including interpersonal and communications skills.
• Enthusiasm for, and ability to, inform and inspire staff, partners, and the public about recreation opportunities and ecology of the Ozarks.
• Strength and experience in building effective partnerships and working collaboratively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an eagerness to learn.
• A willingness to travel, within Missouri and occasionally beyond, as needed to meet partners, build understanding of recreation issues, and increase professional knowledge.
• A willingness to accept other duties as assigned.