Operations & Program Coordinator

BadgerLand Foundation is a small, start-up nonprofit stewarding a new nature preserve in the Driftless region of Wisconsin called Wild Oaks (in partnership with the Driftless Area Land Conservancy). Our work encompasses ecological restoration, trail building, sustainable agriculture, and public programming that helps people connect with the natural world. We are in an active building phase—developing infrastructure, systems, and programming largely from scratch—and are looking for a versatile, hands-on team member excited to help shape a young organization.

The Operations & Program Coordinator is a core staff position responsible for maintaining and improving the preserve’s physical infrastructure, equipment, operational systems, administrative organization, and public-facing programs.

This role is intentionally broad. The most important qualifications are adaptability, initiative, problem-solving ability, and communication skills. The ideal candidate enjoys learning new tasks, working across disciplines, and collaborating with staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners to turn ideas into functioning systems. At the same time, there are many tangible— and sometimes tedious— tasks that need to get done including equipment maintenance, cleaning, and organizing files.

The exact allocation of time across the responsibilities below will depend on the prior experience of the successful candidate, as well as changing priorities of the Foundation. It is not expected that any one candidate will have relevant skills in all these areas, but it is essential you are willing to learn.

This position supports nearly every aspect of the organization’s success—from safe and functional infrastructure to efficient operations to meaningful public engagement. It is a rare opportunity to help build an organization, a place, and a set of systems that will last.

Equipment Maintenance & Operations

• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and small machinery (oil changes, greasing, belt and brake checks, hydraulic systems).
• Conduct minor repairs and troubleshooting on tools, vehicles, and equipment; coordinate outside service when needed.
• Manage inventory of tools, replacement parts, and other supplies with attention to reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Design and implement standardized procedures for tools, supplies, storage, site maintenance, and general operations.
• Identify inefficiencies and propose practical improvements to workflows and facility use.
• Create/ maintain operating manuals, maintenance logs, and service records.

Facilities Development & Grounds Improvement

• Conduct and coordinate repairs and upgrades to barns, workshops, and other structures.
• Decide which projects can be built in-house and which require outside contractors.
• Design, purchase, and install a seed processing system (hammer mill, dust collection, drying system).
• Clean, organize, and systematize storage areas, shops, and equipment.
• Improve parking, circulation, and usability of barnyard and grounds.
• Complete visitor-facing infrastructure (kiosks, benches, signage, landscaping).
• Perform seasonal work such as mowing, snow removal, and restocking firewood.

Administration & Land Management Support

• Organize and maintain physical files and records.
• Set up and populate a virtual file storage system; create coherent systems for organizing key business and account information.
• Set up and use ArcGIS to create and maintain maps.
• Improve record-keeping systems for seed collection and sowing, land management interventions, and other site activities.
• Take on additional administrative responsibilities over time as capacity and trust grow (e.g., assisting with grants, contracts, public newsletters).

Event & Program Management

• Design and implement systems for planning, executing, and documenting events and workshops.
• Help develop public programs such as skills workshops, guided walks, hunting program, etc.
• Plan and manage events from concept through execution, including timelines, schedules, and run-of-show plans.
• Coordinate with partner organizations, instructors, and groups interested in hosting programs or private events.
• Ensure events align with the organization’s mission, environmental ethics, and educational goals.
• Adapt programs to outdoor, weather-dependent settings.
• Write event descriptions, registration information, and promotional content.
• Promote events via the website, email newsletters, and event calendars.
• Track attendance and engagement metrics to inform future programming.

What We’re Looking For – Core Qualities

• Highly adaptable and comfortable working across many types of tasks.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creativity.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.
• Willingness to learn new technical and administrative skills.
• Initiative and follow through.
• Clear, thoughtful communicator.
• Organized, safety-conscious, and detail-oriented.
• Enjoys working in a start-up environment where systems are being built, not inherited.

Preferred (But Not Required) Experience

• Hands-on experience with tools, facilities maintenance, or mechanical systems.
• Carpentry, construction, or repair skills.
• Experience with outdoor work, land stewardship, ecology, and/or conservation.
• Administrative or operational experience in a small organization.
• Event planning or program coordination experience.
• General computer skills (office tools, email, etc.) as well as small-business systems like Constant Contact, Bluehost, and ArcGIS.

Work Environment

• Primarily on-site, frequent hands-on work.
• Regular outdoor work in all seasons.
• Regular desk work, potentially sitting for several hours/ day.
• Physical work including lifting, carrying, and tool use. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. on uneven terrain.
• Frequent collaboration with staff, volunteers, partners, and contractors.
• BadgerLand will provide/ purchase all necessary tools and equipment.