The Indian Boundary Prairies Stewardship Leader (IBP Stewardship Leader) leads and participates in restoration, ecological management, and monitoring for the 344 acres owned and managed by the Conservancy in Markham Illinois; and oversees similar TNC participation in restoration, ecological management, and monitoring of the 105-acre Gensburg-Markham Prairie owned and managed by Northeastern Illinois University.
Indian Boundary Prairies is part of the Chicago Urban Conservation Program which works to benefit for both people and nature in Chicago and Cook County by improving the function of urban natural areas, increasing access to and engagement with urban nature, improving community resilience and public health by deploying natural infrastructure, and improving overall urban biodiversity. All our work is done collaboratively with other leading agencies and organizations across Chicago and Cook County and conducted with priorities of environmental justice and social justice. She or he will report initially to the Chicago Conservation Director.
The IBP Stewardship Leader leads work teams, to ensure the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of preserve management plans, and to ensure the effective participation of stewardship staff with community engagement. The IBP Stewardship Leader maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species and monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and oversees the work of other long-term and seasonal stewardship staff and volunteers. She/he conducts all programs in close collaboration and partnership with the IBP community engagement program.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises permanent and seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers to achieve programmatic goals.
- Establishes and maintains preserve restoration goals, and provides oversight and evaluation to align ecological restoration work to those goals.
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget to complete projects, and providing information for budget development.
- Networks with conservation land owners and conservation partners to promote stewardship and management of Natural Areas.
- On occasion meets with diverse groups including government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
- May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May require long hours in isolated settings.
- 3 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
- Experience with natural systems and recognition of native and non-native plant and animal species.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience operating and (and potentially repairing) various types of equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner, e.g. mower, chainsaw, ATV, two-way radio, etc.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must have a valid driver's license, and either have or have the ability to obtain related licenses including or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application, S130-190).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Additional prescribed fire certifications
- Multi-lingual and/or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Supervisory experience.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
- Working knowledge of common software applications, e.g. Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Awareness of environmental and/or social justice related work.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.