Director of Land Stewardship Position

14 Nov 2025

The Natural Land Institute (NLI) has an exciting opportunity for a natural resource professional to lead and build a stewardship team that manages its 3,500 acres of land in northern Illinois and adjacent southern Wisconsin. NLI, based in Rockford, Illinois, is a growing private not‑for‑profit, accredited land trust founded by conservation icon George

B. Fell in 1958. The position will be responsible for leaving a lasting legacy of protected and well‑managed natural lands following NLI’s mission.

Develop and implement ecological restoration and natural area management plans on lands owned by NLI. The Director will conduct prescribed burns, invasive species control, hydrological management, inventories and studies of natural communities and flora and fauna, assist with public outreach, education programs, and events, recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, manage leases, grants, CRP practices, oversee contractors and conservation easement program, maintain and replace field equipment, plan work schedules, secure permits, and provide technical assistance to partner organizations.

This is a supervisory position requiring more than three years of supervisory experience and strong interpersonal, organizational, and independent work skills. The Director will supervise the Field Biologist (currently vacant) and Natural Resources Technician, volunteers and interns, hire staff, and write grants. Candidates must have up‑to‑date knowledge of Midwestern ecosystems, natural resource management, wild land ecology, invasive species control, native plants and animals of northern Illinois, and safe operation of farm equipment and power tools.

Training or certification in prescribed burn management (S‑130, S‑190, I‑100) and an Illinois State Pesticide Applicator’s license is required; an Illinois Prescribed Burn Manager Certificate is highly preferred. Physical labor outdoors in all weather conditions and the ability to lift 50 pounds are required. Proficiency in ArcGIS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, LANDSCAPE and metadata organization is essential.

Executive Director

$60,000 to $70,000 starting salary, dependent on experience, plus benefits

• Two weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick leave, three personal days, eleven holidays.
• NLI pays 80% of employee health insurance group premium; employees pay 20%.
• NLI funds a health‑related flexible spending account with $500 a year.
• Worker’s compensation insurance is provided.
• Employees are eligible to contribute to a tax‑deferred 403(b) retirement plan.

• MA or MS degree in biology, natural resource restoration or management, environmental science, or similar field.
• Alternatively, a minimum of 10 years of successful land stewardship work.
• At least five years of land conservation experience, with demonstrated budgeting, grant, and collaboration skills.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL required.
• Preferred resident of Winnebago County or an adjacent county.

• Manage and monitor NLI preserves.
• Develop and implement natural area restoration and management plans on owned or protected lands.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and coordinate field staff and volunteers.
• Prepare grant proposals for restoration and management projects.
• Conduct inventories and maintain databases of plants and animals.
• Evaluate restoration potential or management needs of potential projects.
• Provide technical advice and assistance to other organizations.
• Maintain facilities and trails, and care for field equipment and tools.
• Assist the Executive Director with environmental assessments of potential new land or easement acquisitions.
• Deliver public presentations and communicate with volunteers, neighbors, and partner organizations.

This full‑time salaried position works primarily from NLI’s stewardship shop at Nygren Wetland Preserve on Rockton Road, one mile west of the Village of Rockton, Illinois. The position also maintains an office at the NLI office building at 320 S. Third Street in the historic Haight Village neighborhood adjacent to downtown Rockford, IL. Occasional…