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The Lakes Area Land Stewardship Director (LALSD) is a full-time, exempt position that reports directly to the Senior Land Stewardship Director (SLSD), supervises part-time employees, land stewardship interns and volunteers in the Lakes area, and works collaboratively with all Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) staff and partners to protect and restore land in Northwest Iowa. Work will focus on projects in Northwest Iowa, especially in the Spirit Lake/Okoboji area. Leading the stewardship and conservation of INHF-protected lands in Northwest Iowa through direct land restoration planning and management activities will be the focus of this position. Knowledge and experience in stewarding remnant prairies, reconstructed prairies, wetlands, oak savannas, woodlands and agricultural land is required.


Background Information

  • Assisting INHF staff with land protection projects in the Lakes area will be expected of the LALSD. This includes monitoring conservation easements and assisting land protection staff with new projects. Land protection activities include working with private landowners, NGO’s and public agencies to permanently protect important conservation lands through a variety of voluntary land protection methods.
  • The LALSD will also be expected to help with education and outreach efforts concerning INHF’s mission, regional and statewide efforts and restoration/protection work in the area. This may include presenting at and attending meetings for area protection associations, civic organizations, community events and conservation organizations.
  • The LALSD also participates in professional continuing education programs as appropriate to keep current on new developments, research and programs, and to provide for continued personal and professional growth.
  • The LALSD will be expected to reflect INHF values and will serve on a variety of INHF staff teams dealing with land stewardship, volunteers, interns, conservation programs, fundraising, community outreach and other relevant organizational needs.
  • In addition, the LALSD participates in other projects and programs of INHF as directed by the President and/or SLSD and always represents INHF in a positive, courteous, professional manner.
  • The field base for this position will be in the Iowa Great Lakes area. The LALSD will report to this location on days when working in the field. The office base will be the LALSD’s home.
  • The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $87,000.


Education & Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of five years relevant experience, along with the requisite education requirements, (bachelor’s, master’s, or professional degree) in natural resource management, environmental resources, landscape architecture or related fields.


Skills

  • Embodies the INHF core values: leadership, stewardship, respect, partnership, passion and creativity. Works with integrity and inspires trust.
  • Strong ecosystem management and natural areas restoration knowledge, including understanding, training and experience with the use of prescribed fire, invasive species control, and regenerative/sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Firm understanding of conservation issues, such as local-origin native seed, climate change, habitat fragmentation, declining species conservation and current agricultural policy is helpful.
  • Well-organized self-starter, capable of working independently, as well as comfortably, effectively and dependably with a wide variety of people and able to organize support and cooperation.
  • Ability to meet the high physical demands of the position, work with power equipment on difficult terrain, actively participate in on-the-ground prescribed fire activities and other physically challenging restoration work year-round.
  • Ability and willingness to work longer hours during the peak land stewardship season.
  • Commitment to the safe application of herbicide and operation of vehicles, UTV’s, tractors, chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.
  • Ability to organize information and effectively collaborate and communicate with staff, partners, donors, landowners, interns and volunteers.
  • Effectively budget time among a number of demands and projects while balancing organizational and time-accounting aspects of separate projects.
  • Ability to travel within Iowa on short notice and to attend some evening meetings and weekend events.
  • Strong organizational ability. Self-starter who communicates their plans, actions and results effectively with co-workers. Able to keep an eye on multiple projects and effectively manage time to meet priority demands. Able to work remotely with effectiveness.
  • Strong community outreach skills, including presentation skills, judgment, and an attitude of respect and partnership.
  • Proficient in ArcGIS Pro and Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
  • Iowa Pesticide Applicators certification and Class A CDL license preferred.


To Apply: 

The application deadline for this position is Friday, December 19. Please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references. Be sure to review the full job description before applying. If you have questions about the application process, contact Kari Walker, INHF Human Resources Director, at kwalker@inhf.org. 


https://www.inhf.org/about-us/lakes-area-land-stewardship-director