Overview

Organization Description

Delaware Nature Society’s (DelNature) mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through educationconservation, and advocacy. We envision a healthy and sustainable environment.  Founded in 1964, DelNature, a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, is renowned for our educational programming, conservation, and advocacy. We provide the tools for communities to take action and promote the health of the environment through land preservation, wildlife protection, and watershed stewardship.

We manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves, and operates four educational sites: Ashland Nature Center, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Coverdale Farm Preserve. Our organizational priorities are comprised of three pillars of engagement focused on:  Working & Natural Lands, Healthy Waters, and Protecting Habitats and Wildlife.

DelNature aspires to be inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity and is committed to understanding and addressing where we fall short. Diversity creates an awareness of and acknowledges respect for differences and translates into understanding and valuing of each other’s perspectives. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all who are qualified to apply.

Job Description

The Habitat Outreach Manager inspires and engages people across Delaware to implement practices that improve habitat and support biodiversity and clean water at home and in their community. Manages the Garden for Water & Wildlife program to promote conservation landscaping practices including native plantings and related greening and stewardship opportunities. Provides education, training and outreach opportunities for volunteers and the public. Manages all aspects of annual Native Plant Sales. Promotes our mission by building strong relationships and engagement opportunities with constituents and partners. Position reports to the Director of Conservation.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and grow the Garden for Water & Wildlife program statewide to inspire, educate, and engage people and communities in conservation practices that reduce pollution while enhancing wildlife habitat, with a focus on native plants. Administers the Certified Wildlife Habitat certification process in conjunction with National Wildlife Federation, maintains participant database and communications. Develops and provides outreach and marketing materials, programs, and training.
  • Organize and manage all aspects of annual native plant sales including ordering plant stock, volunteer recruitment and management, and sale coordination. Seeks creative opportunities to leverage and grow sales.
  • Build relationships and partnerships to develop community greening initiatives, including Sacred Grounds, which result in on-the-ground implementation of native plantings, rain gardens, pollinator gardens etc. Work across DelNature sites and departments to connect projects and constituents to our broader mission.
  • Support and build an active volunteer community of Habitat Stewards, and other volunteers, to assist with outreach and stewardship needs, including maintaining plantings.
  • Develop and administer funding and grant proposals, in coordination with supervisor.
  • Promotes and supports DelNature’s mission, values, goals, and activities to grow Membership, volunteerism, advocacyprogram participation, and financial support.
  • Performs other duties as requested by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) in natural sciences, environmental management, horticulture, or other related fields with 3-5 years’ experience in conservation or horticulture.
  • Strong knowledge of Mid-Atlantic native plants, sustainable landscaping, and green infrastructure practices.
  • Familiarity with GIS is a plus.
  • Proven ability to design, develop and implement innovative programs. Proven success with event coordination and volunteer management.
  • Excellent organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Familiarity with social media and tools such as Canva.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and excellent time-management skills.
  • Must have a team-focused attitude, flexible mindset, and dependability.
  • Valid Driver’s License and transportation.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • The employee is frequently required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and be able to carry, move and setup necessary supplies and equipment; carry, dig holes and plant small shrubs and trees; stand and move around for several hours at a time.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.

Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits.

Applicants Must Submit