Climate Program Specialist

The Climate Program Specialist coordinates projects that support county land and water conservation department staff to accelerate statewide adoption of conservation practices which promote climate adaptation and mitigation benefits. This position is under the general supervision of WI Land+Water’s Associate Director and works in coordination with the WI Land+Water’s Conservation Training team and technical partners.

Coordinate with WI Land+Water colleagues and partners to provide county land and water conservation department staff with training on land management practices that adapt and mitigate climate change. (50% of position)

1. Support statewide training for county land and water conservation department staff.

• Work with Savanna Institute staff to promote and deliver agroforestry trainings and field days geared toward county staff.
• Partner with State Interagency Training Committee and WI Land+Water’s Conservation Training team colleagues to identify climate training needs, develop and/or promote training and field events to county staff.

2. Identify emerging practices and develop and/or promote training and educational resources to support counties implementing these new practices.

Provide technical support to county land and water conservation department staff working with private landowners to implement emerging conservation practices. (40% of position)

1. Provide targeted, technical support on emerging conservation practices and tools to county staff.

• Support county staff and landowners accounting for greenhouse gas emissions using basic models (e.g. COMET).
• Enhance the climate literacy of county staff via customized, one-on-one support and partnership on projects.
• Support communication efforts to share the benefits of emerging conservation practices and climate tools to counties and general audiences (WI Land+Water and partner newsletters, web resources, presentations).

Performs other duties as needed and as directed by the Executive Director. (10% of position)

1. In coordination with WI Land+Water colleagues, administratively support the WI Land-Water Annual Conference and County Conservation Meeting, as directed.

2. In coordination with WI Land+Water colleagues, contribute to WI Land+Water communications products: newsletter, annual report, social media, and staff program reports to Board of Directors.

3. As directed by the Executive Director, represent WI Land+Water on committees or workgroups that may impact land and water resource policy or county programs.

Required Knowledge and Skills

1. Background and education in natural resources, agronomy, forestry, or related field.

2. Excellent oral and written communications.

3. Ability to administer effective outreach and promotion in support of educational and conservation training programs.

4. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of governmental, academic, nonprofit partners, and the general public.

5. Positive, team-oriented attitude.

6. Effective organizational and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

1. Experience working with landowners to implement conservation practice.

2. Experience with training or event coordination.

3. Ability to present technical content to general audiences.

4. Ability to maintain web-based content management systems.

5. Knowledge of federal and state programs pertaining to climate, soil and water conservation-related, and/or agriculture-related programs.

6. Knowledge of local governments, authorities/representatives, and procedures in the field of land and water resource management.

7. Knowledge and experience with the principles, methods and practices related to land and water conservation and nonpoint pollution control.

Special Requirements

• Periodic in-state travel
• Valid driver’s license
• Stable internet connection to allow for hybrid work

Working Environment

Work is performed out of WI Land+Water’s Madison, Wisconsin office, with some flexibility for working remotely. The position will be a mix of in-person and remote work. Unusual physical demands are not required in this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53703