Conservation Director

Please review the

How to Apply

section for application instructions.

Citizens for Conservation (CFC) is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to “Saving living space for living things through protection, restoration and stewardship of land, conservation of natural resources, education, and community involvement.”

CFC proactively preserves and restores land with the help of volunteers and donors. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of 10–15 members.

The Conservation Director reports to the Executive Director (ED), directs all conservation and restoration projects, supervises staff and volunteers, manages budgets and grants, and represents CFC in partnerships and the community.

Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt/Salaried ($95,000 – $110,000)

• Shape strategic direction and vision for conservation and restoration plans.
• Develop plans, scopes of work, and budgets for projects.
• Lead prescribed burning program.
• Develop and implement volunteer restoration and training programs.
• Monitor and assess restoration project success.
• Be a leading voice in community-centered conservation.

• Hire and manage staff and contractors.
• Set goals and support staff/volunteers in achieving them.
• Conduct annual staff reviews.
• Promote inclusive culture with staff, board, donors, and volunteers.

• Collaborate with Grant Committee on proposals and budgets.
• Assist with monitoring, grant reporting, and site visits.
• Work with ED and committees to secure program funding.
• Help prepare annual budget and long-range planning.

• Provide updates to ED with recommendations.
• Maintain professional relationships with partners.
• Represent CFC in the community and encourage engagement.
• Convey ecological progress of CFC lands to members and public.
• Collaborate on website maintenance and expansion.
• Prepare talks, tours, and restoration updates.
• Assist in developing annual report and communication materials.

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, natural resources, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years restoration experience with expertise in native plant communities, restoration methods, endangered species monitoring, and restoration planning.
• Pesticide Applicator’s License and NWCG S-290 burn manager certificate.
• Knowledge of grants, ecological organizations, and relevant agencies.
• Leadership experience with boards, staff, and partners.
• Ability to manage and inspire staff and contractors.
• Strong teamwork, compliance diligence, and communication skills.
• Ability to supervise contracts and manage natural areas.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint; GIS familiarity a plus.

• Experience in conservation project planning, implementation, and assessment.

• Work schedule determined with ED.
• Some travel required for meetings and site visits.
• Occasional evening or weekend work for events and deadlines.
• 25–30% fieldwork during certain seasons.

CFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics under federal, state, or local laws.

Full-time permanent position located in Barrington, Illinois. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, 401(k), and paid time off. Salary: $95,000 – $110,000, commensurate with experience.

• Introduce yourself to us as a colleague through a cover letter. Show us your future at CFC and let us know what you’d bring to our organization!
• Applications must be received by September 22, 2025.

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