Overview:

Pheasants Forever (PF) in Wisconsin is seeking qualified candidates for a Conservation Outreach Coordinator to promote conservation outreach efforts in southwest Wisconsin. Primary duties will be to increase awareness of prescribed fire opportunities, trainings, and assistance programs for landowners.

The Conservation Outreach Coordinator will join the 23 team members of the Wisconsin PF staff and will work in close collaboration with the Southern Driftless Grasslands partnership (see more at https://www.driftlessgrasslands.org/the-partnership) as well as other key partners. The primary responsibilities of this position are organization, promotion, and facilitation of prescribed fire training events and resources. This position will work closely with the PF Prescribed Burn Coordinator and a wide range of individuals and resource professionals promoting the development and implementation of prescribed fire in grassland and savanna landscapes on working and conservation lands. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong work ethic. This prescribed fire partnership effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources across southwest Wisconsin.

Expected Duties:

• Work with Wisconsin PF team, Southern Driftless Grassland partners, Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council (WPFC), and other wildlife and fire management partners to organize, plan, promote, coordinate, and facilitate outreach events, workshops, and demonstrations focused on prescribed fire and associated conservation practices and programs.
• Manage and maintain databases of landowners and landowner engagement, including curating the database to manage the flow from landowner contact to final conservation outcome.
• Manage and maintain database of projects, program participation, and impacts for grant reporting.
• As needed, serve as initial landowner contact, connecting them to the partners that can help identify programs for financial and technical assistance.
• As needed, provide advice or forward information about basic land management questions to landowners (e.g. invasive species control, grass-based agriculture, Farm Bill programs).
• Facilitate communication and coordination among conservation organizations to maximize attendance and leverage resources for events.
• Stay current on broad grassland conservation issues and emerging opportunities to help private landowners protect and manage grasslands.
• Help evaluate and adapt programs to maximize results and outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to organize, develop, and implement educational and outreach activities including workshops, seminars, and publications.
• Knowledge and ability to market, promote, and expand public relations and communications.
• Knowledge of the uses and benefits of prescribed fire.
• Knowledge of the ecology and management of prairies and oak savanna in the upper Midwest.
• Knowledge of typical agricultural concepts and practices employed in Southwest Wisconsin, especially regarding soil health and grazing systems.
• Ability and willingness to pursue prescribed fire certifications.
• Must work effectively with private landowners, agency and partner staff, technical service providers, and other conservation organizations.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse personalities.
• Ability to accomplish goals associated with grant deliverables and agreements.
• Experience working with federal, state, and/or local conservation programs.
• Strong computer skills including working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, ArcPro.
• Strong coordination and communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Education and Experience Preferred:

Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related natural resources field (with two years of relevant experience preferred). Proven experience with outreach, facilitation, communication, or marketing is highly desirable.