Stewardship Specialist

$51,730 - $51,730/Yr

Forest Preserve District Of Kane County - Elburn, IL

Part-time - Entry Level

Elburn, IL

Forestry and Logging

About the position

The Stewardship Specialist will be a key member of the Human Resources team, focusing on the growth and support of the Natural Resource volunteer program within the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. This role involves outdoor work, hands-on training in conservation practices, and community engagement, with responsibilities including leading volunteer efforts in habitat restoration and management. The position offers a flexible part-time schedule and the opportunity to work across a vast natural landscape, making it suitable for both experienced professionals and those new to conservation careers.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator, Natural Resource Manager, and volunteer stewards to develop, schedule, and advertise workdays.
• Recruit and contact prescribed fire volunteers for assistance on District controlled burns; participate in the District's prescribed fire program.
• Serve in a leadership role organizing and implementing special events such as volunteer meetings, trainings, and workdays on weekends and during the week as directed.
• Recruit, train, and develop natural resource volunteers, with an emphasis on placing Site Stewards/Co-Stewards at District sites.
• Ensure Steward and volunteer compliance to program rules and expectations.
• Responsible for compilation and submission of statistical data in a timely manner, such as volunteer hours and the location, time, and extent of specific tasks performed by natural resource management volunteers.
• Contribute to the development of resource management planning initiatives, such as annual work plans, management schedules, summaries, and reports.
• Recommend the purchase of needed equipment, materials, supplies, and services to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Pursue ongoing professional education and training to keep up to date with current practices, programs, and technologies in natural resource management.
• Promote advancement and understanding of the District to the volunteers, public, the media, and public agencies via local appearances.
• Represent the Forest Preserve at various public forums, tabling, and recruiting events.
• Drive to preserves and other locations throughout the county to monitor projects or other work being completed by volunteers.
• Adhere to organizational policies and applicable laws in regard to managing volunteers, and consult with Human Resources as required.
• Perform the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the Employee and Volunteer Handbooks.

Requirements

• Minimum age requirement: 21 years old.
• Education: Associate's degree in ecology, botany, natural resource management, land management, or closely related field; Bachelor's degree a plus.
• Experience: One (1) year in natural resources, recreation, or closely related field; previous experience operating required equipment; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, volunteer service, or training.
• Possesses and maintains a valid and current Illinois Driver's License free from suspension or revocation during the term of employment and maintains insurability with the District's fleet insurance carrier.
• Certifications/Licenses: CPR/1st AID/AED, Pesticide Applicator; S-130/S-190 basic wildland firefighting training or equivalent; all licenses/certifications must be obtained and maintained within one year of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience participating in volunteer or service programs.
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheet, and database) and ArcGIS mapping software.
• Competence and experience in using basic tools of natural area management in a safe and effective manner.

Benefits

• Flexible part-time schedule
• Hands-on experience in conservation
• Opportunity to work outdoors in natural preserves