More than just work
The Works, Inc. is a city wide community development corporation based in South Memphis, whose mission is to rebuild, restore, and renew Memphis neighborhoods through innovation, advocacy and collaboration.
Job Title: Nursery Coordinator
Reports To: General Manager
Salary: $43,500 Annually
Organization Summary
The Works, Inc. is a city wide community development corporation based in South Memphis, whose mission is to rebuild, restore, and renew Memphis neighborhoods through innovation, advocacy and collaboration. Sustainability of the urban environment is a crucial element of neighborhood strength, and we are committed to growing our capacity to support new approaches to our work that show the way for making sustainability a required component of everything we do.
Job Summary
The Nursery Coordinator will work closely with the General Manager in the management and expansion of Memphis Native Tree Works Nursery Program
● Supervise regular maintenance of existing stock to high nursery quality standards
● Assist in procurement of parent material of targeted native species
● Develop MNTW stock via propagation by seed, cutting, collection of wild material and other means
● Assist in facilitation of education and outreach elements of the project, including volunteer coordination and providing technical guidance to team members and partners
● Work closely with GM and Director to ensure that maximum amount of plant material needed for residential and commercial developments is sourced directly from MNTW
● Assists in the development and maintenance of physical facilities and infrastructure.
Minimum Education Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Horticulture, Ecology. Environmental Sciences or Equivalent
Qualifications
Management experience in government, nonprofit or business management, including working independently and in collaboration with community-based organizations.
Demonstrated proficiency in and commitment to organizational efficiency.
Excellent written communication, speaking, and public relations skills.
Open minded, flexible and has the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work in challenged urban environments
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suites.
Physical Requirements: Work has potential for extensive field work. Travel (including overnight travel) may be required, as necessary but 90%+ local in Memphis. Remote working is acceptable on an as needed basis as determined by the leadership team.
Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid Driver’s License, and licenses and certifications as needed to perform
Email Resumes to : mike@theworkscdc.org
Job Title: Urban Orchards Program Manager
Reports To: General Manager
Salary: $43,500.00
Start Date: ASAP
Organization Summary
The Works, Inc. is a city wide community development corporation based in South Memphis, whose mission is to rebuild, restore, and renew Memphis neighborhoods through innovation, advocacy and collaboration. Sustainability of the urban environment is a crucial element of neighborhood strength, and we are committed to growing our capacity to support new approaches to our work that show the way for making sustainability a required component of everything we do.
Job Summary
Roles and Responsibilities
Program Management & Coordination
- Oversee and implement urban orchard program in coordination with Giving Grove, ensuring alignment with TWI, GG, and community goals.
- Develop and manage budgets, track outcomes, and assist with grant applications and reporting.
- Coordinate tree and orchard installations, including site preparation, planting, and long-term maintenance.
- Work with local organizations, government agencies, and community partners to expand and improve orchard efforts.
- Work closely with partner organization orchard leads and community stewards to help them reach goals for their orchards.
Horticulture, Agroforestry & Nursery Operations
- Assist in maintenance of nursery stock to high horticultural standards.
- Design regionally appropriate plant offering lists and procure plant materials.
- Develop best practices for orchard care, ensuring long-term success of project sites in urban Memphis.
Community Engagement & Education
- Cultivate relationships with community groups, volunteers, and orchard stewards to foster project sustainability.
- Organize and lead workshops, training sessions, and volunteer events focused on orchard management, tree planting, and food production.
- Develop educational materials and outreach content for community partners, including newsletters and social media posts.
Research & Strategic Planning
- Assist in research projects in collaboration with academic institutions and government agencies as necessary.
- Work with TWI’s Food Programs Coordinator to maximize impact.
Associated Expectations
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and engage in outdoor physical work.
- Availability to work occasional weekends and evenings for community events.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Comfort with and respect for diverse communities, particularly in underserved areas.
- Flexibility to work independently, in tandem with the larger Regenerative Initiatives team, and in coordination with the overall The Works, Inc. team, as a situation requires.
Minimum Education Required:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Qualifications
● Integrity, reliability, and a commitment to the team and the greater TWI mission.
● Written communication, speaking, and public relations skills.
● Open minded, flexible and has the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
● Ability to work in challenged urban environments
Physical Requirements: Work has extensive field work. Travel (including overnight travel) may be required, as necessary but >90% local in Memphis.
Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid Driver’s License, and licenses and certifications as needed to perform essential duties
Email Resumes to : mike@theworkscdc.org
Job Title: Land Management Technician
Reports To: General Manager
Salary: $40,000 annually
Start Date: ASAP
Organization Summary
The Works, Inc. is a city wide community development corporation headquartered in South Memphis, whose mission is to rebuild, restore, and renew Memphis neighborhoods through innovation, advocacy and collaboration. Sustainability of the urban environment is a crucial element of neighborhood strength, and we are committed to growing our capacity to support new regenerative approaches to our wider work.
Job Summary
The Land Management Technician will primarily focus on the site maintenance and development of the many land management initiatives at The Works Inc, theMemphis Native Tree Works nursery, and plant propagation, installation and maintenance work. This role is crucial support for the continued development and expansion of all projects falling within the Division of Regenerative Initiatives.
- Supervise regular maintenance of existing project sites, keeping properties maintained within TWI standards of anti-blight and demonstrating a lead-by-example attitude for the communities in which we are engaged
- Maintain positive relationships with our community, and our partners, vendors, and clients
- Adhere to customer expectations to ensure their satisfaction, and provide quality and consistent products and services
- Assist General Manager in the procurement, upsizing and other tasks related to plant care and delivery
- Assist in the maintenance of the TWI sites as well as the development of new structures and grow areas
- Assist the Land Management Lead in the upkeep and development of gardens and other green infrastructure projects
- Support in the procurement of materials, transportation of equipment, and safety and comfortability of both staff and volunteers on site.
Minimum Education Required:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Qualifications
Integrity, reliability, and a commitment to the team and the greater TWI mission
Written communication, speaking, and public relations skills
Open-minded, flexible and has the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work in challenged urban environment
Ability to comfortably lift 50 pounds and have the stamina for lots of movement throughout the day
Physical Requirements: Work has extensive field work. Travel (including overnight travel) may be required, as necessary but >90% local in Memphis.
Required Licenses/Certifications: Valid Driver’s License, and licenses and certifications as needed to perform essential duties
Email Resumes to : mike@theworkscdc.org
Job Title: Conservation Specialist
Reports To: Senior Conservationist
Salary: $68,000 annually, full-time
Organization Summary
The Works, Inc. is a citywide community development corporation whose mission is to rebuild, restore, and renew communities through innovation, advocacy, and collaboration. Sustainability, conservation, and equitable access to land-based resources are central to our work through partnerships with producers, agencies, and regional organizations. The Works, Inc. advances regenerative land management practices through the Regenerative Initiatives Division which is focused on improving ecosystem health, strengthening local economies, and expanding access to conservation programs for historically underserved communities.
The Conservation Specialist position supports the MidSouth Working Lands Partnership. This partnership employs a multi-state, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) initiative led by the MidSouth Development District in collaboration with The Works, Inc., to best serve producers and land owners across the MDD’s jurisdiction in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Job Summary
The Conservation Specialist will support the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of conservation practices across participating farms and working lands within Lauderdale, Tipton, Shelby and Fayette counties in TN, Crittenden county AR, and DeSoto county MS. This role focuses on producer engagement, technical assistance, data collection, and coordination with NRCS, extension partners, and regional stakeholders to advance soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and climate-smart agriculture outcomes.
- Supporting implementation of NRCS conservation practices related to soil health, habitat establishment, nutrient management, and water quality improvement
- Assisting producers with enrollment, documentation, and participation in NRCS and RCPP conservation programs
- Conducting field visits to support practice implementation, compliance, and adaptive management
- Coordinating baseline and ongoing environmental monitoring, including soil sampling, bioassays, water testing, and biodiversity observations
Collecting and maintaining project data and reporting materials in alignment with grant and NRCS requirements
- Supporting outreach and education efforts through producer meetings, workshops, farmers markets, and partner events
- Building and maintaining positive relationships with producers, landowners, agency staff, and partner organizations across TN, AR, and MS
- Assisting with project planning, scheduling, and coordination across multiple sites and jurisdictions
- Researching best practices in regenerative agriculture, habitat restoration, and climate-smart conservation
Supporting evaluation of environmental, economic, and social outcomes
- Coordinating with partner organizations to ensure consistent technical support and producer experience
Qualifications
- 3+ years experience in conservation, agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, or related field preferred
- Familiarity with NRCS programs and conservation practice standards strongly preferred
- 3+ years experience working with farmers, landowners, or community-based organizations
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse partners and communities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suites
- GIS software experience strongly preferred
- Use of field data collections tools strongly preferred
Physical Requirements
This position requires significant fieldwork in agricultural and outdoor environments, including walking on uneven terrain, lifting sampling equipment, and working in variable weather conditions. Travel, including occasional overnight travel across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, may be required. Remote work is permitted on an as-needed basis.
Benefits
Benefits include health insurance, employer-sponsored 401(k), paid time off, and holidays in accordance with organizational policies.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Valid Driver’s License and ability to obtain required certifications as needed.
Email Resumes to : mike@theworkscdc.org