Landowner Engagement Specialist - WI (Private Lands Biologist)

Over the past 50 years, The International Crane Foundation (ICF) has grown from the dream of two college students to a world-renowned conservation effort to save the world’s cranes and the flyways and habitats they frequent. The successful candidate will be a conservation-minded individual who will bring their experience to the mission of ICF. If you are not currently a crane enthusiast, do not worry, you will become one fast, in this mission-based organization.

What is it like to work at ICF? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate for our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates. You will find dedication at all levels of the organization from staff and volunteers to our devoted Board Members. You will play a critical role in accomplishing on-the-ground conservation through coordination with private landowners, agricultural producers, and conservation partners. ICF offers a competitive salary with a starting range of $42,000 to $52,000 plus a nice benefits package. The position is based out of our Baraboo, WI, Headquarters, but can telework 2 days a week per supervisor discretion. 

Position Summary:

Our program seeks to engage with agricultural producers to mitigate crop damage issues by developing and refining effective solutions through research and direct support of working lands. The Landowner Engagement Specialist will establish relationships with the local farming community, document regional agricultural practices intended to mitigate crane crop depredation, and to deliver direct support to farmers for implementing practices that benefit crane conservation. The Landowner Engagement Specialist will be working closely with the North America Program staff engaged in applied crane conservation and research efforts as well as social scientists to assess the impacts of our working lands conservation programs in Wisconsin.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Help build a private lands engagement program in central Wisconsin to support Sandhill Crane and Whooping Crane conservation efforts.

·       Reach out to the local farming community to engage them in solving Sandhill Crane crop depredation issues by holding informational workshops and listening sessions.

·       Work with farmers to document Avipel use or other deterrents for scientific purposes as well as tracking program progress.

·       Coordinate the delivery of Avipel subsidies to farmers participating in our private lands' conservation program.

·       Work with a social scientist to assess farmers attitudes in relation to program implementation.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Developing outreach materials to promote our conservation programs and inform local agricultural producers about effective Sandhill Crane crop-depredation mitigation practices.

·       Work with the Grants Officer, Development staff, and NAP staff to raise funds for private lands conservation efforts.

·       Help gather spatially explicit data relating to land management practices that can influence crane behavior and depredation patterns.

·       Improve relations with regional landowners through regular communication and cooperation.

Core Competencies:

·       Excellent verbal and written communication

·       Experience delivering funding for conservation programs on private lands

·       Demonstrated understanding of both natural resource conservation and public engagement strategies

·       Strong ability to set goals, problem solve, and work independently

·       Demonstrated leadership abilities

·       Highly organized and self-motivated

Qualifications Required:

·       Bachelor’s, Master’s Degree, or higher in any subject related to natural resources, agricultural sciences, human dimensions of conservation, or social sciences (rural sociology, political science, etc.).

·       Experience in private lands conservation strongly preferred, but experience in natural resources management, community organization, applied agricultural sciences, or public outreach and education is also acceptable.

·       >3 years of professional work experience.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment:

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Ability to use computers and phones.

·       Ability to communicate with fellow staff, donors, and stakeholders. Communication will include both one to one communication and small and large group communication.

·       Ability to regularly travel regionally (generally within 2 hrs. of Baraboo) throughout the week to accomplish objectives.

·       Ability to handle all-terrain vehicles over rough terrain in remote locations. 

·       Ability to reach, balance, crouch and kneel.

·       Ability to sit, stand for reasonable periods of time.

·       Ability to work in remote field locations.

·       Ability to occasionally lift 50 pounds.

To apply send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to ICFjobs@savingcranes.org.  Please put Landowner Engagement Specialist – WI in the subject line.

“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people regardless of background.”

ICF is an equal opportunity employer.