Field Representative

This position is for a highly collaborative individual with strengths in facilitation and team building. The ideal candidate will believe in the potential of individuals working together to accomplish what needs to be done to support the health of our Nature Preserves.

The Field Rep has the responsibility of cultivating relationships with people of diverse backgrounds (especially expert volunteers and staff) throughout the region, involving them in community participation and leadership, and supporting them:

(1) in working collaboratively to develop and carry out shared goals in ecosystem protection and stewardship

(2) while learning state-of-the-art actions/skills necessary to care for natural areas, advocating for their protection, and to reach and train new community members on an ongoing basis.

As field rep, you will learn to launch new stewardship communities through widespread and creative outreach, facilitating opportunities for leadership by multiple people within new and existing communities, supporting and mentoring stewardship communities toward self- sustainability.

Importantly, you will catalyze, inspire, and collaborate to make a difference for biodiversity, people, and the planet. One example of the way Friends Field Reps make a difference can be seen in the words of a now-expert volunteer leader who found this mission through the Friends:

"Winter 2024 I stumbled across Illinois beach’s volunteer restoration group & decided to check it out. I had never heard of restoration work before. The first day I went, I’d never felt my spirit so still & calm & rooted in one place, I didn’t feel the need to be anywhere else for once. A year & a half later I’ve been to many different sites & am steadily learning so much, have met so many passionate & inspiring likeminded people, & have at least one moment each workday I tear up a bit to have found something that feels so right in my soul. There is so much to learn & it goes on endlessly. I found my passion later than many, but feel so excited to have this the rest of my life. Eco-restoration is my church. I go to heal nature, & feel it in turn, heal me."

You should have:

• Genuine interest and passion for Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves’ mission and priorities. Expertise in biodiversity conservation is not required, for a person who can develop it on the job.
• Experience in or strong desire to learn best ecological stewardship practices
• The ability to make and follow through on a work plan, and think strategically.
• Excellent communications skills – a facility with language and storytelling, both written and oral.
• Ability to learn how to be an organizer, including close mentorship from colleagues.
• Positive attitude, creative, self-starting, willing to learn. Results-oriented with strong task and time management skills.
• Ability to consistently apply good judgment, work independently, and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel locally, as needed.
• A valid Driver’s License and reliable access to a vehicle.

Other valuable attributes:

• Experience in community/field organizing and base building.
• Capacity to work both independently and with a team.
• Strong desire to connect and learn from colleagues – both fellow staff and volunteers – and eagerness to ask questions.
• Driven, works well with all kinds of people, and isn’t afraid to get outside their comfort zones.
• A history of working collaboratively and successfully with others toward a common goal.
• Demonstrated ability to work on fast-paced projects with many moving pieces and changing circumstances.

Physical requirements/working environment

This position is a combination of remote, work from home, and field-based work in rough, wild areas, concentrated in the Will and Grundy County region.

To Apply:

Email cover letter, resume, and 3 references to rebeccah@friendsilnature.org

View official job description here