Conservation Lead / Director of Living Landscapes (EN)
DETAILS
(m/v/x)
Organisation: Elzéard Foundation
Location: Cross-border region
Belgium-Netherlands-GermanyEmployment: Full Time Position
Salary: Market-conform, depending on experience
Start: To be discussed
As Elzéard enters a new phase, we are looking for a Conservation Lead who can carry and further develop the ecological, strategic and societal dimension of this work.
Context
Rooted in the philosophy of rewilding and deep ecology, Elzéard Foundation is seeking to restore living systems at scale, while exploring new ways of relating to land, ownership and stewardship. More than an organization, Elzéard operates as a prototype for a broader transformation: reconnecting fragmented landscapes, rethinking agricultural practices, and contributing to the emergence of a regenerative commons.
At the heart of this work lies the development of a transboundary ecological corridor, reconnecting fragmented landscapes across the three-country region between Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany, creating the conditions for species to return, move and evolve over time.
This is not only a restoration project, but a prototype for a broader transformation towards regenerative landscapes, ecological commons, and long-term stewardship beyond individual ownership. The intention is not only to restore ecosystems, but to help re-establish the conditions for all species to organize themselves again at landscape scale.
As Elzéard enters a new phase, we are looking for a Conservation Lead who can carry and further develop the ecological, strategic and societal dimension of this work.
As Elzéard moves from proof of concept into a phase of consolidation and expansion, a core team is taking shape to carry this work forward. This emerging structure brings together complementary roles, including an Operations Lead and a Construction Lead, each holding a different dimension of the work. Within this context, the Conservation Lead holds the ecological and landscape-level direction of the project, ensuring that all interventions remain grounded in the integrity and evolution of the living system.
Role Purpose
The Conservation Lead is responsible for shaping and guiding the ecological and landscape-level transformation of the project, not as a set of isolated interventions, but as the development of a living system.
This role goes beyond classical conservation or programme leadership. It involves stewarding a broader system transition: ecological, organizational, and societal. The work is not only to define direction, but to help the system organize itself over time across land, people, governance, and practice.
The role combines ecological leadership, strategic orientation, and movement-building. It requires the ability to work with emergence rather than fixed project logic: holding direction while allowing form, relationships, and structures to evolve in response to the landscape and the actors involved.
The Conservation Lead acts as a bridge between vision, land, and people while also contributing to the development of governance, culture, and partnerships as core elements of the system itself. This role requires the ability to navigate complexity and tension: ecological, social, and political while maintaining clarity of direction and integrity of intent.
Scope of the Role
1. Ecological & Landscape Leadership
Guide the development of the ecological corridor at landscape scale
Shape and direct restoration strategies (forest, agriculture, water, soil, biodiversity)
Ensure alignment with principles of rewilding, process-based ecology and long-term system resilience.
2. Regenerative Programme Development — Further develop key initiatives
Botanical restoration systems (pépinière, gene banks)
Regenerative agriculture
Nature-based economies and land use models
Ensure coherence and direction across ecological and regenerative interventions.
3. Movement Building & External Engagement
Act as a visible and inspiring voice of the project
Take an active role in shaping and growing a broader movement around rewilding, land stewardship and ecological transition.
Work with actors across different fields (farmers, landowners, activists, public institutions, and grassroots networks), holding space for collaboration, tension, and alignment over time
Contribute to the emergence of governance structures and forms of shared stewardship that extend beyond the organization itself
Key Responsibilities
Define and guide the long-term ecological and landscape strategy
Lead and support restoration projects and field teams
Build and coordinate partnerships across the region
Contribute to governance and long-term protection of the corridor
Mobilize people, knowledge and resources around the project
Ensure that ecological ambition is matched with practical implementation
Profile
We are looking for someone who brings a combination of ecological depth, strategic clarity, and the ability to work within complex, evolving systems. More specifically, you:
Bring strong expertise in ecology, conservation, or a related field, with a solid grounding in living systems thinking
Have experience working on landscape-scale projects, ecosystem restoration, or comparable initiatives
Are able to think and act systemically, holding long-term direction while remaining responsive to what emerges in practice
Feel at ease navigating complexity, uncertainty, and tension across ecological, social, and political dimensions
Have experience engaging diverse stakeholders, from landowners and farmers to public actors and grassroots initiatives, and are able to build alignment over time
Bring experience in partnership building, coalition work, or movement-oriented contexts
Are fluent in English, combined with either Dutch or French; additional languages are considered an asset
And ideally, you:
Bring a movement-builder mindset, with experience in or affinity with grassroots networks, campaign organizations, or rewilding initiatives
Have worked in contexts where strategic work is closely connected to field practice and real-world implementation
Feel comfortable working in environments where direction, structure, and governance are still evolving
Recognize that culture, relationships, and governance are not secondary, but central to how systems function and evolve
Are able to take a stand and act with clarity and conviction, even in complex or contested contexts
You may come from different backgrounds, but what matters is your ability to work at the level of systems, relationships, and long-term transformation
A strong sense of purpose and deep alignment with the intent of the project is essential.
What succes looks like — after 1-2 years
A clear and shared ecological direction is held and actively guiding decisions
The corridor is materially taking shape on the ground, with visible ecological impact
A strong network of partners, landowners and collaborators is engaged and aligned
The project has established itself as a credible and inspiring reference beyond its immediate context
A broader movement around the Elzèard system is emerging, with growing ownership beyond the core team
What we can offer
A key role within a newly forming core team, with direct influence on how the organization evolves in its next phase
The opportunity to take ownership of the conservation domain and shape the ecological direction of the project at landscape scale
A working environment that combines long-term ecological vision with hands-on, place-based reality
Close collaboration with the founders, while progressively taking on autonomy and responsibility within your role
Working within a small, committed team, where collaboration is direct, informal, and grounded in shared intent
The chance to contribute to a project that operates at landscape scale, supporting ecological restoration, land use, and new forms of stewardship
The opportunity to be part of a broader international movement around rewilding and Deep Ecology, connecting local action to a wider transformation
A context where initiative, clarity, and responsibility are valued, and where your contribution has visible and systemic impact on the landscape and the organization
The possibility to explore lodging options within the project context, or in the surrounding cross-border region (including the area around Aachen, Maastricht, and Liège), depending on availability and alignment
The role is based in the cross-border region between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and requires regular presence on site.
Practical details (timing, contract, and location) can be discussed based on mutual alignment.
