Restoration Specialist in Chicago, Illinois at Openlands

The Restoration Specialist plays a key role in supporting and advancing Openlands’ restoration initiatives by advancing habitat restoration and stewardship across public and private lands. The specialist ensures that restoration efforts align with conservation easement standards and long-term stewardship goals. Working in collaboration with other Openlands team members and external stakeholders, this position leads and supports a suite of restoration projects. Key responsibilities includes identifying restoration opportunities, and managing projects such as invasive species removal, native planting, erosion control, and habitat enhancement across diverse ecosystems.

This is a hybrid, full-time non-exempt position that reports to the Director of Restoration. It is budgeted to start on or about September 1, 2026.
Essential Functions

• Lead and coordinate ecological restoration projects from design through implementation
• Support the Director of Restoration in supporting the work of Restoration Coordinators and field staff; provide direction, training, and performance oversight
• Conduct site assessments and field inventories to evaluate ecological conditions and identify restoration opportunities
• Build and maintain partnerships with landowners, contractors, community groups, funders, and regulatory agencies
• Develop and manage GIS tools and maps to support planning, documentation, and monitoring
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Plan and lead volunteer stewardship events; support community engagement through site access, wayfinding, and amenities
• Track and report restoration activities, volunteer engagement, and project outcomes; manage data systems to inform strategy
• Manage grant applications and reporting to support successful project delivery
• Provide technical oversight to contractors and field staff to ensure ecological quality and safety standards
• Represent the organization at conferences, community events, and partner meetings
• Serve as a technical resource and organizational ambassador to support policy, planning, and communications
• Perform other duties as assigned
Education, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, natural resource management, environmental studies, or a related field
• Must have a working knowledge of the regional flora and fauna
• Minimum of 3 years of applied work in ecology and conservation
• Minimum one year of experience managing habitat restoration projects, conducting habitat assessments, or conducting species surveys that include data collection and the use of GIS tools
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and set clear priorities
• Demonstrated experience working outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions; fieldwork may comprise up to 50% of time
• Working knowledge of GIS tools (such as Field Maps)
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a mission-driven team
• Strong interpersonal skills to support positive engagement with landowners, volunteers, and stakeholders
• Valid driver’s license and regular access to a personal vehicle required; some evening and weekend work may be necessary
• Knowledge of conservation easements and land trust operations.
• Familiarity with nonprofit or public sector work environments.
Compensation

Salary range: $60,000–$65,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Work Environment

Office is ADA accessible. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer. This role requires manual labor- standing, bending, crouching, lifting.

Ability to perform duties in a variety of outdoor conditions and weather, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Openlands is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Openlands does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Openlands is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.