The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy

Markham Shkode Community Engagement Specialist

Markham, Illinois · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$65k-$69kDetected 32 days ago
Project ManagementLeadershipCommunicationOrganizational Skills

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odds of building a lasting career here

88Lottery-free
Cap-exempt (no lottery)100
Sponsors year-round90
Entry-level history60
PERM / green-card track50
Fits your clock70

Files H-1B any time — no cap, no lottery. The 2026 weighted-selection rule doesn't touch it, which makes this the strongest structural path for entry-level talent. Pay is often lower, but your odds of staying are dramatically higher.

Lottery odds assume a STEM candidate.

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H-1B wage level

the lottery is wage-weighted — each level is one more entry

Level I · 1×
Level I$58,0741 entry
Level II$71,1362 entries
Level III$84,2193 entries
Level IV$97,2824 entries

Even the top of this range is below the Level II threshold of $71,136, so this role stays at one lottery entry however you negotiate. That is a property of the posted band, not of you.

DOL prevailing wage, 2026-27 wage year · Social and Community Service Managers (11-9151) · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN. Wage level is derived by USCIS from the offered wage, occupation and worksite; the occupation shown is inferred from the job title.

Employer immigration record

from this employer's Department of Labor filings

States it is exempt from the H-1B cap

In 1 Department of Labor filing, this employer states it is a nonprofit or governmental research organization — one of the statutory grounds for exemption from the H-1B cap. Cap-exempt employers can file year-round without entering the lottery.Employer's own attestation on a Department of Labor wage determination, not a USCIS determination — exemption is decided per petition.

Files H-1B transfers

1 transfer filing in the last year, covering 1 worker. Median labor-condition decision: 8 days. An employer that already files transfers is one that can take over an existing H-1B.

Sourced from Department of Labor LCA, PERM and prevailing-wage disclosure data. Employer matching is by name, so figures may be split across an employer's legal entities. Absence of a filing means none appears in our copy of the data, not that none exists.

Community outcomes

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About the role

  • The Chicago Area Conservation Program focuses on engaging communities in conservation through outreach, aligned stewardship action, education, programming, volunteerism, and other nature-based programs.
  • They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
  • This position reports to the IL Ecological Restoration Director and is based at the Markham Illinois office.

Responsibilities

  • Work in close alignment with the MWD Strategic Partnership & Engagement function to implement a Conservation Framework in the Chicago Southland Region.
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with focal communities, organizations that increase trust and rapport, aiming to increase access, decrease barriers and empower communities.
  • Coordinate and provide support for Markham Shkode Prairies volunteers.
  • Lead adaptive project management of values-driven and community-based conservation initiatives such as climate adaptation, access to nature, and related initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Markham Shkode Prairies team to pursue stewardship action planning and workforce development initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) Manager to represent TNC in relationships with Chicago Southland VSN members.
  • Performs daily program implementation under the guidance of supervisor.
  • Experience in community relations or relationship building, community organizing, and communicating with a wide range of people.
  • The Community Engagement Specialist is part of the Chicago Area Conservation Team and implements projects and programs in coordination with the division and business unit leadership priorities.
  • They will become part of a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results.

Requirements

  • Knowledge and understanding of the Chicago Southland's political, cultural, and environmental NGO landscape;
  • Strong communication skills including the ability to write and edit written materials for internal and external use;
  • Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation and public relations including the use of social media in community engagement;
  • Proven organizational skills and attention to detail;
  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination;
  • Working evenings or weekends is occasionally required.
  • Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated;
  • Interest or willingness to learn about Illinois prairies, land stewardship, and prescribed fire;

Nice to have

  • Volunteer management and training experience a plus.

Compensation

  • The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $65,000 to $69,000 (subject to required tax withholding).
  • Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.
  • Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.

Benefits

  • Develop and manage communications and educational materials for program initiatives including direct support for community-based listening sessions.

Company info

  • The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
  • One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."
  • What We Bring:
  • Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
  • The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends.
  • As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.
  • We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures.
  • Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC.
  • Want a better insight to TNC?
  • Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
  • One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
  • In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience.
  • Please apply - we'd love to hear from you.
  • To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."
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This listing is sourced directly from The Nature Conservancy's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.