Natural Areas Stewardship Coordinator in Charleston, Illinois | Grand Prairie Friends

Grand Prairie Friends (GPF) is seeking a Natural Areas Stewardship Coordinator to lead land management efforts across East-Central Illinois. The full-time, year-round position is based in Charleston, Illinois.

The role is described as a mission-critical, hands-on land management leader who will be central to advancing the organization’s conservation outcomes. A significant portion of the coordinator’s responsibilities will be centered on the Warbler Ridge Conservation Area, which is expected to account for approximately 80 percent of the work time.

Beyond the primary focus on Warbler Ridge, the coordinator will provide land management services across GPF’s service area, which spans 130 miles and covers nine counties in Central Illinois. The position reports to the Natural Areas Manager.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

The Stewardship Coordinator will partner with the Natural Areas Manager to implement land management plans and lead stewardship operations. These efforts are intended to ensure the ecological integrity of a diverse portfolio of conservation lands, including forests, savannas, and prairies.

Candidates for the position are expected to have at least three years of experience at a supervisor level within natural areas work. Experience in staff management is also required.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for the exempt position is $50,000 per year. The compensation package includes the following benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Bereavement and parental leave
• A dedicated professional development budget
• A cell phone stipend
• An annual safety equipment allowance
• An option to enroll in an employer-matched SIMPLE IRA

GPF also maintains a policy of an annual paid seasonal office closure for all full-time employees from December 24 to January 1, pending emergencies.

Organizational Background

Grand Prairie Friends has operated as a nonprofit conservation land trust since 1984. The organization’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote land conservation across East-Central Illinois. Sarah Livesay serves as the Executive Director of the land trust.

Applications are being reviewed as they are received. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible through the organization’s website.