Field Coordinator

Position Summary

Restoring Lands is a nonprofit organization in its thirty-second year, whose mission is to protect, connect, and restore southeast Wisconsin’s lands and waters for the benefit of all. The Field Coordinator will be successful by leading with a safety-first approach, setting an example for staff, volunteers, and visitors to the preserves; and collaborating with Stewardship staff to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of our conservation efforts. This position is 90% in the field, leading land stewards in daily field operations and occasional volunteer groups doing land stewardship. The remaining 10% of time involves office work including documentation of field activities and writing summary reports. The Field Coordinator will be expected to travel throughout our service area of the Milwaukee River Basin. This position is based primarily out of our Stewardship facility at Kratzsch Conservancy in West Bend and occasional time at the West Bend and Milwaukee offices. An organization work truck is available for commuting from Milwaukee to preserves in the service area

Primary Responsibilities:

Field Operations and Land Management

• Lead the Stewardship division’s stewardship and restoration field work including managing our team of Land Stewards and volunteers and monitoring restoration projects.

• Participate in the hiring of seasonal land stewards and provide hands-on training such as plant identification, restoration techniques, and / or tool use.

• Plan field activities in coordination with Stewardship, Community Conservation, and Volunteer/Outreach teams.

• Organize preparation, mobilization, and proper care of work trucks, equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Safely drive a truck with trailer, mowers, tractor, ATV / UTV, and other equipment on a daily basis.

Program & Project Coordination

• Track and report on field activities, volunteer engagement, and project outcomes.

• Maintain files, maps, and data to ensure accurate, up-to-date records as it relates to the responsibilities of this position.

• Assist with purchasing and planning for the stewardship program
• Document field activities with photos and writing content for communications.

Leadership, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure that a safe work environment is provided for land stewards and volunteers.

• Implement and enforce safety protocols for all field activities, including tool use, vehicle operation, and working in remote or challenging environments.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards and organizational policies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Three years of ecological restoration or related field experience.

• Training or certificate in natural resource management, environmental science, conservation, forestry, ecology or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• Demonstrated experience leading groups of people in the field to accomplish ecological restoration or related conservation goals.

• A valid driver’s license and one year of experience driving a pickup truck and trailer including backing up in various conditions.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, abilities, and degrees of expertise.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency with GPS, GIS (ArcGIS experience preferred), and Microsoft Office.

• Comfortable working outdoors in all conditions, varied terrain, and weather.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds, hike long distances, and perform physical labor.
• Ability to give and receive feedback.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, conservation, forestry, ecology, or related field.

• Experience working for a land trust, conservation nonprofit, or related organization.

• Familiarity with native and invasive species identification, ecological restoration techniques, and trail construction/maintenance.

• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.

• Chainsaw safety (S-212 or equivalent) and herbicide applicator certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and tool problems.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation range: $40,000 – $48,500 depending on experience and qualifications.

• Health insurance stipend of $5,650 (periodically adjusted for inflation).

• Participation in employer-sponsored 401K with up to 4% match.

• Generous, flexible paid time off starts at 17 days annually plus 8 paid holidays.