CONSERVATION PLANNER

Openlands is seeking a full-time Conservation Planner based in Chicago, IL, responsible for advancing conservation initiatives and planning projects to enhance land use and connectivity in northeastern Illinois. The role involves project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Candidates should have a degree in urban planning or related fields, with 3-5 years of experience. This position is hybrid-remote, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work.
Description

The Conservation Planner is responsible for carrying out planning initiatives to advance the Openlands mission in northeastern Illinois and beyond including work to further regional trail networks, advance sound planning policies, and support the recreational economy. Qualified candidates will be able to manage planning projects across a complex jurisdictional landscape, develop innovations for land use and conservation using the latest planning tools and principles, and engage diverse public and private sector constituencies through compelling planning solutions. The goal of the Conservation Planner is to increase the acreage of protected land in the Openlands service area, create connectivity between natural areas through land and water corridors, and design projects that protect the region’s natural, agricultural, and cultural landscapes. The Conservation Planner is a full-time, exempt employee who manages a GIS Analyst and reports to the Director of Policy. This is a hybrid-remote position.

Essential Functions
• Bring local and regional planning expertise to Openlands, which entails project design, data collection, literature review, forecasting, analysis, and submission of recommendations.
• Research conservation challenges and opportunities through a planning lens at the local, regional, state, and national levels; identify trends, propose policy opportunities, and implement model demonstration projects.
• Provide planning support, including policy reports, briefings, and other documents that strengthen the work of Openlands across multiple teams and initiatives.
• Serve as Openlands’ external planning lead on local and regional projects for the built and natural environments.
• Use planning practices to engage Openlands’ wide range of stakeholders, including elected officials, government staff, business leaders, funders, community organizations, and the public.
• Represent Openlands on conservation and planning working groups, advisory committees, and coalitions.
• Coordinate and write internal and external communications about planning and policy projects, as needed, including, but not limited to, website content, advocacy alerts, and press communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, environmental geography, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 3-5 years of professional experience in planning and project management.
• Knowledge of land/water conservation, environmental planning, land use, and urban sustainability.
• Understanding of how the built and natural environments fit together in a large metropolitan area.
• Excellent writing skills, creative presentation style, and dynamic public speaker
• Collaborative team member who can provide the planning solution across teams and projects.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and an ability to manage up and organize/execute well on projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google, and GIS applications.

Salary Range: $75,000-80,000 Annually