Conservation Director

About CFC

Citizens for Conservation (CFC) is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to a mission of “Saving living space for living things through protection, restoration and stewardship of land, conservation of natural resources, education, and community involvement.” CFC proactively preserves and restores land with the help of volunteers and donors actively engaged in protecting the health and beauty of the land for future generations. CFC works within the community to foster conservation ethics and practices.

CFC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of 10-15 members.

About the Position

The Conservation Director for Citizens for Conservation reports to and is supervised by the Executive Director (ED), develops and directs all conservation and restoration projects and operations, supervises restoration staff and volunteer stewardship program, determines restoration budget and grant needs, and represents CFC in working partnerships and the Barrington community.

Reports to: Executive Director 

Status: Full-time, Exempt/Salaried $95,000 – $110,000 

The Conservation Director is responsible for the following:

Leadership 

• Shape the strategic direction and vision for the organization’s conservation, restoration and community engagement plans in collaboration with the Restoration Committee and the Executive Director’s approval, including all current CFC properties and potential land purchases.
• Develop, in coordination with the ED and restoration staff, conceptual plans, scopes of work, and budgets for all existing and proposed restoration projects, including capital expenditures.
• Lead prescribed burning program for staff and volunteers.
• Develop, advise, and implement volunteer restoration and training programs.
• Develop monitoring protocols and conduct field studies to assess and report on the progress and success of CFC restoration projects.
• Be a leading voice in community-centered conservation efforts across the region.

Management 

• Hire and manage restoration staff and professional contractors for specific projects.
• Set and communicate clear goals and priorities, partner with and support restoration staff and volunteers to identify and address challenges and ensure responsibilities are carried out in an effective and timely manner.
• Provide annual reviews for restoration staff.
• Help to develop and support an inclusive culture with CFC staff, board members, donors and volunteers.

Budget and Finance 

• Collaborate with the Grant Committee Chair to develop budgets and provide technical/design information for conservation and restoration proposals.
• Assist with necessary monitoring and grant reporting on project progress and participate in funder site visits and other interactions as needed.
• Work closely with the ED and the Finance and Grant committees to identify needs for program funding.
• Assist in preparing CFC’s annual budget and workplan and participate in long-range strategic planning.

Communication 

• Provide activity updates on key restoration priorities to the ED, providing recommendations in a timely, concise and contextual manner.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with collaborating partners, both current and future.
• Represent CFC throughout the greater community and within membership, promoting our successes and future goals while encouraging membership visits to our restoration sites and activities.
• Conduct ongoing work to convey to members and the public the ecological highlights and health of CFC lands.
• Collaborate with ED on maintenance and expansion of the organization’s website.
• Prepare relevant talks, lead informational tours, and present updates on CFC restoration work.
• Collaborate with ED, Board, and partners to develop and produce organizational Annual Report and regular communication engagement.

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, natural resource management, environmental sciences or other related fields of study, or equivalent experience.
• Seven or more years of restoration experience with expert understanding of plant communities native to northeastern Illinois; methods for restoration of degraded ecosystems; endangered species monitoring; standard sources of information in natural area management and restoration ecology; proficiency in preparation and writing of restoration plans, management schedules and project contracts.
• Must possess a Pesticide Applicator’s License, National Wildfire Coordinating Group S-290 prescribed burn manager certificate.
• Understanding of federal and state grant programs, ecological management organizations and relevant agencies.
• Leadership abilities that include working with the Board of Directors, staff, and partners.
• Ability to assign, inspire and supervise the work of others, including restoration staff and hired contractors.
• Ability to collaborate and work as a constructive team player.
• Strong aptitude for due diligence and compliance matters.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand, evaluate, and effectively supervise contracts.
• Knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in management of natural areas.
• Ability to use Excel, Word, PowerPoint, familiarity with GIS/mapping software a plus.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in project planning, implementation, and assessment for a conservation organization.

Work Environment and Conditions: 

• The exact work schedule will be determined with the ED.
• Travel may be required for meetings, conferences, and site visits.
• The role requires some evening or weekend work depending on events, deadlines, and meetings.
• 25%-30% Field-based work during certain seasons.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CFC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

About Our Pay and Benefits

The conservation director is a full-time permanent position located in Barrington, Illinois. This position reports to the Executive Director. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off. Salary range is $95,000 – $110,000, commensurate with experience.