Habitat and Biodiversity Organizer

Prairie Rivers Network seeks a Habitat and Biodiversity Organizer to address one of the leading threats to the health of Illinois ecosystems, pesticide drift.

About Prairie Rivers Network

At Prairie Rivers Network we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. Our programs confront many of the root causes of environmental degradation in Illinois while addressing the sources and impacts of climate change and advancing just and equitable solutions.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring a Habitat and Biodiversity Organizer–and we welcome applicants with a variety of experiences and backgrounds. Whether your path has been in science, organizing, communications, or something completely different, if you care about biodiversity and community well-being, we want to hear from you.

The Habitat and Biodiversity Organizer at Prairie Rivers Network will support our efforts to ensure success in PRN’s habitat and biodiversity program. This position will advance the protection of biodiversity and wildlife habitat in Illinois and help address the interconnected biodiversity, water, and climate crisis.

The Habitat and Biodiversity Organizer will join one of the most-effective and respected environmental advocacy organizations in Illinois. You will be part of a team that is championing climate science, ecosystem protection, and rural resilience and environmental justice. PRN hopes to transform agriculture for a climate-safe future before it’s too late. And that’s where YOU come in!

This is a full-time position that will ideally be located in Southern Illinois. Candidates residing in Illinois, but outside of Southern Illinois may have a remote work-from-home schedule with the expectation of monthly trips to Southern Illinois.

What You Will Do at PRN

Advance the Protection of Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat in Illinois

• Assist in data entry, data management, and the handling and processing of samples and sampling equipment for water, air, and plant monitoring.
• Assist in technical and non-technical writing and communication efforts around pesticide drift/biodiversity protection.
• Assist in the creation of fact sheets, handouts and informational materials around pesticides and their impacts to people, land, water, and biodiversity.
• Assist in the planning and hosting of community informational sessions to gain input from rural and urban community members about the environmental concerns of pesticides.
• Assist in the pollinator habitat in Saline County schools project in Southern Illinois.
• Build power for communities impacted by pesticide drift through direct engagement with community members, local officials, public health officials, municipal water systems and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Director of Ecological Health to inform state and federal policy solutions to advance transparency, and provide scientifically grounded, locally-based policy recommendations for enhancing environmental monitoring and protection of both air and water resources.
• Support and organize community members to actively call for the advancement of policies and practices that protect biodiversity and their communities from the harmful impacts of drifting pesticides.
• Engage in other outreach activities, including but not limited to public presentations, tabling opportunities, and local events.
• Respond to public inquiries pertaining to pesticide drift, habitat, and related issues as needed.
• Support the Save Our Trees Coalition in outreach, running meetings, and tours.
• Lead trainings for recognizing drift, monitoring, & filing complaints in frontline communities.

Fundraising, Engagement, and Organizational Advancement

• In partnership with the Executive Director and PRN team, assist with grant research, writing, and reporting as needed.
• In partnership with the Executive Director and PRN team, assist with member and major donor relations through active participation in fundraising and outreach events, activities, and communications.
• As needed, work with PRN team members to assist in developing Prairie Rivers Network’s program work and goals to advance our mission.

What You Will Bring to PRN

• Experience building and leading community organizing issue campaigns including building long-lasting relationships with diverse stakeholders and partnerships critical to the success of the campaign.
• Understanding and interest in habitat, biodiversity, and pesticide issues and climate change impacts facing communities in Illinois.
• A passion and excitement to the mission of creating social change and fighting environmental injustice to improve lives, communities, and landscapes in Illinois.
• Strong written and public speaking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate research and technical issues to lay audiences.

Requirements

• Experience implementing social media campaigns, and/or knowledge of working with media.
• Experience and/or knowledge of the legislative and administrative policy making process.
• Have a genuine interest in and understanding of the goals, priorities, and programs of the organization.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and collaboration as organizational practice and culture.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and/or weekends.
• Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently to set and achieve goals.

We’re especially interested in people with skills in:

• Community organizing or public engagement
• Policy research and advocacy
• Storytelling, video, writing, or design
• Social media or digital communications
• Public speaking or media outreach
• Environmental science, economics, or public health
• Fundraising, grant writing, or nonprofit development

You don’t need to check every box. If you bring relevant skills and a passion for this work, we encourage you to apply.

We believe staff is more effective in a work culture that values a work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling. Benefits include:

• 15-20 vacation days
• 12 general paid time off days
• 11 paid holidays plus winter break from Dec 24 through Jan 1
• 403(b) retirement pan with 5% employer match
• Up to 12 weeks parental leave (4 weeks paid; 8 weeks unpaid)
• 100% employer paid health insurance for the individual employee
• Employee assistance program