Conservationist

~ Groundswell Conservancy is a nonprofit land-protection organization based in Madison, Wisconsin. ~

Our mission is to protect special places, forever, in the Dane County, Wisconsin region. We are a results-oriented organization. Since our inception in 1983, we have permanently protected almost 12,000 acres of important land and water. We accomplish our work by:

• Purchasing land that has already been identified for conservation through public planning efforts and opening it to the public for hiking, bird watching, fishing, and other nature-based activities
• Collaborating with interested landowners to develop conservation easements that permanently protect valued natural resources on private land
• Engaging communities outside of traditional conservation planning efforts to help underserved schools connect disengagement students with nature and to improve land tenure for immigrant and minority farmers
• Managing and monitoring protected land
• Informing the public and our supporters about our work
• Maintaining a strong, effective, and fiscally sound organization

Position Overview

The Conservationist works as a team member under the guidance of the Executive Director to manage our two nature preserves and other fee-owned properties, steward our 67 conservation easements, create infrastructure and partnerships at our community conservation projects, and develop and strengthen relationships with financial supporters and partners of Groundswell Conservancy. This position plays a crucial role as the representative of Groundswell at our protected areas.

Responsibilities

Preserve Land Management (45%)

• Supervise summer Prairie Partners crew at Westport Drumlin and Patrick Marsh preserves, including coordination with partners on hiring and evaluation
• Set priorities for land management activities
• Ecological land management (control of invasive plant species and maintenance of native habitats, including by working with volunteers and contractors)
• Custodial land management activities (tree line removal, trash cleanup, signage, maintenance of gates and fences, implementation of new facilities, mowing, working with contractors, etc.)

Community Conservation Project Implementation (25%)

• Planning and implementation of site improvements at our community farms and our “green school yard” projects
• Engaging community members, neighbors, and partners at these sites

Conservation Easement Stewardship (25%)

• Annual monitoring, including preparation and follow-up activities
• Resolution of issues relating to compliance with restrictions, preparing requests for approvals of reserved rights, etc.

General (5%)

• Participate in social media campaigns, fundraising, grant writing, and annual and strategic planning
• Engage in civic organizations to build relationships with supporters, peers, partners, and potential supporters

Qualifications

• 2 years related experience
• Familiarity with tools and techniques of habitat management (familiarity with construction techniques and maintenance activities is a plus)
• Enthusiasm for the environment, land conservation, and engaging people in the land
• Collaborative team player and problem-solver
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail
• Strong computer skills (experience with Arc GIS is a plus)
• Ability to take initiative and follow through on projects
• Must be able to work outdoors independently, including under poor weather conditions such as rain or heat
• Comfortable representing and promoting the goals of Groundswell Conservancy

Compensation

• The salary range is $40,000 to $43,000 annually depending upon qualifications
• Paid benefits include health and dental insurance, annual and sick leave, and retirement

Additional Information

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position in our office at 303 S. Paterson Street, Madison, WI 53703
• This position requires frequent but seasonal weekend and evening work. We offer a semi-flexible work schedule
• The proposed start date for this position is Friday, February 1, 2019

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume and cover letter via email in a pdf format to Jim Welsh, Executive Director, Groundswell Conservancy. 
• The cover letter should summarize your interest and qualifications for this position.
• Please mention how you learned of this opening. 
• The application deadline is Friday, January 4, 2019.

~ Groundswell is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~