Stewardship Programs Coordinator

Job Description:

The full-time Stewardship Programs Coordinator role is situated in Lake Forest, Illinois, and reports directly to the Director of Land Stewardship. This position works closely with the Land Stewardship team on ecological restoration, preserve maintenance, program administration and community engagement. This position will work with the Vice President of Community Conservation on related grant management. The Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and documenting seasonal internship programs and various wildlife monitoring programs.

Job Responsibilities: 

• The ecological restoration and preservation of natural areas owned and/ or managed by Based in Lake Forest Illinois, the dominant land management focus includes prairie, savanna, ravine and wetland habitats.
• Field work tasks include, but are not limited to, invasive species control by hand-pulling, cutting, or spraying; collecting, processing, and planting native seed and plants; annual site monitoring; prescribed burning and burn
• Site operation and maintenance duties include trail building, landscaping and light equipment maintenance; mowing for public access and land management needs; hiking trail maintenance; installing and maintaining signs and trail markers; removal of
• Office work tasks include budget tracking, site monitoring reports, records of hours and activities, grant management, data organization, and administrative
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate recordkeeping practices for all stewardship, land management and natural resource monitoring activities and related correspondence per organizational policies and Land Trust Standards and Practices (Landscape software).
• Outreach and leadership tasks include coordinating the internship program, leading volunteer workdays; organizing and assisting volunteer monitoring activities and other programs; coordinating, assisting, and leading interns; collaborating with other agencies and organizations; serving as a representative of LFOLA in the community including, but not limited to, public interactions, events, neighbor relations and community
• Participate in and lead special events and public engagement gatherings, which will occur both during the work week as well as occasional evenings and weekends.
• Participate in professional development
• Other duties as

Job Requirements:

• Completed a BA/BS in ecology, biology, natural resources, environmental science or a related field, or equivalent
• Two or more years of leadership experience.
• Must possess knowledge of conservation issues; general biological and ecological principles as they relate to natural areas management including basic plant and animal identification skills and invasive plant management
• One to two years of experience working with ecological restoration, invasive species control, herbicide application, prescribed burning, and planting preferred.
• Experience and references which support a self-led, self-motivated work
• Experience working as part of a team and with the public, with good written and oral communication
• Ability to interpret maps. Experience with GIS hardware and software encouraged.
• Ability or willingness to learn to safely use and maintain tools including but not limited to chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, tractors, and agricultural spraying equipment.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, and
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather including heat, humidity, sunlight, and rain as well as environmental conditions like biting insects and hazardous plants, chemicals such as cleaning supplies, pesticides, and gasoline/oil, and machinery with moving parts and high noise This includes routine moderate lifting and ability to carry up to 50 pounds and the ability to stand or walk for long periods over rough, uneven terrain and wet and slippery surfaces, and may include stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Candidate must be willing and able to work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends, and to work independently in remote locations without

Licenses & Certifications:

• Must possess and present a valid driver’s license and ensure reliable transportation to/from
• Must possess or be willing to obtain Illinois Pesticide Applicator
• Must possess or be willing to obtain Red Cross First Aid and CPR
• NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type II training or equivalent is advantageous but not
• Final candidates must pass a professional background investigation.