[POSITION FILLED] Environmental Stewardship Specialist

Tilth Alliance works in community with Washington farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a sustainable, healthy and equitable food future. Through our work we endeavor to promote and support the adoption of organic, regenerative, sustainable growing practices by farmers and gardeners throughout Washington; to make the food produced by these farmers and gardeners more accessible; and to inspire people to enjoy growing, cooking, and eating food that is both good for them, for their communities, and for the environment. The primary strategies we employ in this effort are advocacy, education and collaboration. Equity, inclusion and the promotion of a culture of anti-oppression are important outcomes expected of all the work we do.

The Environmental Stewardship Specialist is part of the Community Education team at Tilth Alliance, which engages community members in classes, volunteer opportunities and other programming in Seattle and King County, around growing food, environmental stewardship, and cooking and sharing food. This position involves environmental stewardship and education activities at Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands, with a focus on community-based wetlands restoration, nature engagement with youth, adults and seniors, and related environmental stewardship activities.

Job Responsibilities

Wetlands Restoration (approx. 50%)

• Coordinate wetlands restoration and related land management tasks.
• Contribute to and implement an annual wetlands management plan.
• Support volunteers, community members and other staff in hands-on restoration, weeding and mowing, and stewardship activities.
• Help to develop and implement a native plant propagation program.
• Participate in meetings with partners on community engagement, planning, etc.
• Track and report on program activities.

Community Engagement (approx. 50%)

• Partner with the East African Senior Center, which meets twice a week for health and wellness programming, to coordinate nature-based activities and related programming.
• Collaborate with youth employment staff to support wetlands restoration with Rainier Beach Youth Stewards, a teen employment program where teens gain job experience through wetland restoration and farm education.
• Assist in developing and leading environmental service learning, field trips, tours and opportunities with other community partners.
• Develop educational signage, self-guided activities and other onsite educational features.

Team and Organizational Collaboration

• Attend staff meetings, participate in staff committees, speak publicly on behalf of Tilth Alliance, and support events and other duties related to being a member of the Tilth Alliance staff.
• Contribute to an inclusive working environment for staff, volunteers and partners and advance equity and inclusion in the organization and in community partnerships.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Passion for building a healthy local food community.
• Strong preference for experience working with community members, students and organizations in Rainier Beach or other community-based settings.
• Experience in ecosystem restoration and engaging community members in nature.
• Experience training, coordinating, and leading volunteers and community members.
• Demonstrated commitment to advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability and success working with people from a variety of racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, with various lifestyles and sexual orientations.
• Self-directed and able to work independently as well as with a team.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a variety of projects that may change based on community need, funding availability and organizational priority.
• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.

Desired Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in plant propagation and nursery work.
• Experience in gardening, farming, green stormwater infrastructure, environmental justice, food justice or related topics.
• Experience working with teens and/or seniors.
• Experience engaging with East African community members and ability to speak Amharic or Tigrinya.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive and Salesforce applications.

To Apply

No phone calls please. Submit a letter of interest and resume outlining 1) your experience with the qualifications listed above and 2) why you are interested in this position. Email all materials to chrishoffer@tilthalliance.org with the subject "Environmental Stewardship Specialist.”

This position is open until filled. The job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Tilth Alliance reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skill and experience required.

Tilth Alliance is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is essential to achieving our mission. Tilth Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Women, people of color, and individuals from under-represented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.