Leadership in Conservation Fellow - Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Champaign, IL Exciting opportunity for a recent graduate-degree (or equivalent) recipient to gain valuable leadership experience in project management, strategic planning, and policy development.  The Fellowship is a paid 18 - 24 month management training/mentoring/networking opportunity designed for future leaders in parks and recreation, conservation, or other closely related field.  The Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD) is a local property tax supported government agency charged with the stewardship of seven forest preserves covering over 4,000 acres in Champaign County, Illinois.  Champaign County is located 135 miles southwest of Chicago and is home to the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. 

The CCFPD is governed by a five-member volunteer Board of Commissioners and led by an Executive Director.  The Conservation Fellow reports to the Executive Director. The following are just a few of the responsibilities/experiences this Fellowship offers:

• Support the objectives and outcomes in the CCFPD 2020-2024 Strategic Plan by completing assigned projects for the District’s different functional areas including, but not limited to, administration, planning and operations, education and programming, and visitor/patron services.
• Conduct research and data analysis to recommend process improvements, increased efficiencies, and appropriate streamlining of processes.
• Assist with policy development, giving input and researching best practices.
• Attend various programs and activities of the CCFPD including but not limited to Freedom Fest, Dark Sky Events, Earth Day Events, Prairie Stories and Homer for the Holidays.
• Attend meetings of the CCFPD Board of Commissioners and events/meetings with partner groups as needed.
• Attend and participate in various CCFPD special committees including Sustainability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Employee Engagement.

Candidate Requirements

Please Note: Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications stated in the job description.  The CCFPD is interested in finding the best candidate for this Fellowship Program and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.  If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in Recreation and Tourism, Parks and Resources Management, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Planning, Landscape Architecture, or another related field. The District will also consider candidates who hold a high school, trade, bachelor’s or associate’s degree combined with multiple years of relevant life or work experience in lieu of a graduate degree.
• Be eligible to work in the United States.

The annual salary range for the Fellowship is $45,000.  The position includes a full benefit package including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Candidates should apply at once but not later than June 1, 2022. To apply, candidates must submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references to www.GovHRjobs.com. Candidates may contact the recruiter, Heidi Voorhees, President of GovHRUSA at HVoorhees@govhrusa.com.

Click HERE to Apply