Land Stewardship Manager

~ The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (“JDCF”) is a 501(c) nonprofit conservation land trust whose mission is to preserve land for the lasting well-being of people and wildlife. ~

JDCF is an accredited land trust that works with volunteers, local landowners, business owners, and community leaders to find creative solutions to conservation challenges that produce lasting effects. Since its founding in 1993, JDCF has preserved over 5800 acres of land in the beautiful Driftless Area of Jo Daviess County, Illinois.

JDCF offers competitive pay, as well as a benefits package that includes health insurance, employer contributed retirement funds, and generous paid time off.

Position Summary

The Land Stewardship Manager (“the Manager”) position is a full-time, permanent position responsible for the stewardship, management, ecological restoration, and maintenance of public access of JDCF’s properties.

Responsibilities

• Manage nine (9) preserves totaling 1328 acres owned by JDCF and work with partners to restore and manage the 180-acre Galena Gateway Park owned by the City of Galena
• The properties require management and restoration of habitats including various prairie and forest ecotypes
• This position directly supervises certain Land Stewardship Program employees, including the seasonal Park Maintenance position, grant-funded restoration technicians, and internships
• The Manager shall also supervise and interface with land stewardship volunteers, including the Galena Area Land Enthusiasts (“GALE”)
• The Manager is also responsible for implementing land management plans, maintaining sites for public access, and managing contractors working on JDCF sites

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in biology, natural resources, land use management, forestry, or other related field plus two to five years of relevant professional experience
• Experience implementing land management and ecological restoration plans
• Knowledge of managing lands with significant cultural resources (preferred)
• Strong social and interpersonal skills including the ability to resolve and mediate conflict and maintain good working relationships with coworkers, volunteers, and members of the community
• Demonstrated ability to lead employees, volunteers, and interns in performing tasks through direct supervision or as a project/team leader
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of vehicles including tractors, pick-up trucks, trailers and equipment in a variety of maintenance, construction and/or utility tasks
• Ability to effectively relate to a diverse range of people, including both oral and written communication skills
• Basic competency in ArcMap digital mapping software (preferred)
• Ability to work in extreme environmental conditions, including excessive heat and cold, biting and stinging insects, and steep terrain
• Experience working with trail mowers, chain saws, sprayers, weed whip, hand saws, small tools and woodworking
• Experience in basic construction techniques to include concrete work, framing, electrical, plumbing, woodworking, and welding (preferred)
• Able to perform heavy lifting of weights up to 60 pounds
• Experience leading prescribed burns in prairie and woodland habitats.
• Current and valid driver’s license
• Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s License (within 6 months of hire)
• Illinois DNR Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (within 1 year of hire)

National Wildfire Coordinating Group:

• S-190/S-130 (within 6 months of hire)
• S-131, S-133, S-290, S-390 (within 1 year of hire)

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience within the range of $36,000-$40,000 annually plus benefits and generous paid time off policy.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume or by mail to:

Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
PO Box 216
Elizabeth, Illinois 61028
Attn: Steve Barg

Applications will be accepted through October 12, 2018 or until the position is filled.