Stewardship Associate

Position Description: This new position will expand Friends of the Detroit River’s (FDR) Stewardship Program. This position will be responsible for assisting with and executing stewardship activities like community engagement, educational and recreational opportunities, and hands-on volunteer work in Detroit River communities. Stewardship Programming will be performed in collaboration with community members, volunteers, stakeholders, partners, and businesses.  

Position Status: This position is part-time (20-30 hours/week) with potential for full-time depending on future funding, and FLSA exempt. Flexible and hybrid work schedule available, with some evenings and weekends.

Relationships:

• Reports to: Stewardship Director
• Supervises: None
• Works with: FDR team, interns, volunteers, constituents, stakeholders, partners, and vendors

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enthusiastically represent FDR at community events and engage with the public to share FDR’s mission, vision, and projects while raising awareness about environmental issues.
• Support the Stewardship Director in coordinating and implementing several stewardship projects and events simultaneously throughout the Detroit River watershed communities.
• Build capacity for recurring stewardship opportunities and build connections and relationships with volunteers, communities, and partners.
• Accurately track event metrics and ensure data is reported accurately and on time.
• Communicate effectively with FDR team and partners, as needed to implement program efforts.
• Recommend new events and partnerships that align with FDR’s strategic goals and priorities.
• Deliver program-focused education and outreach activities including both online and inperson events and presentations to increase public understanding and involvement in watershed issues.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Strong interest and passion for environmental stewardship, with outgoing and enthusiastic personality to engage others in our organization’s efforts.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with various target audiences including but not limited to K-12 students, youth groups, young adults, volunteers, partners, and the public.
• Ability to lead volunteer restoration work, recreational, and educational activities.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in an independent, self-directed environment, and be decisive to quickly problem solve under pressure.
• Willingness to take strategic direction and work as part of a team.
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel Spreadsheets, Word, and PowerPoint, Google Mail, and related programs. • Well organized, with attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships and collaborate with partners and team members.
• Willingness to learn of the cultural and place-based contexts of Detroit River restoration and stewardship needs and activities, including systemic challenges and opportunities.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and operational vehicle.
• Must be able and willing to transport event materials to and from events and the FDR office.
• Will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Flexible and hybrid work schedule available, with some evenings and weekends.
• Energetic, supportive, and positive team to help you succeed.
• Passion for outdoors, nature, and creating positive impact in the places you live and work.
• Event work may involve all-weather physical activity, including some in-water work, and the use of basic hand and field tools.
• Evening and weekend work required for event implementation.

Physical Abilities:

• Consistently carry 25 pounds and occasionally lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, stooping, pushing, lifting, kneeling and reaching.
• Ability to paddle on open waters, hike on uneven terrain, and peddle a bike on trails and through communities, while leading other groups of people.

FDR is an equal opportunity employer. FDR does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, being a member of the Reserves or National Guard, status as disabled or Vietnam Era veteran or status in any group protected against discrimination by federal, state, or local law. We welcome applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and veterans. FDR is engaged in ensuring its programs and activities are welcoming to all, and has a strategic goal to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in its work.