By Hans Hilbert and Pam Shannon, Co-Presidents, Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy
The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy are entering an exciting new phase! In the past, our staff members served as independent contractors to support our mission. These talented individuals have played a crucial role in our organization’s success. As of January 1, our three staff members are now employees of the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
This transition reflects the growing maturity and increasing scope of our organization. By employing staff, we gain several key advantages:
- Increased Efficiency and Consistency: Our staff members now have more flexibility, created by position descriptions, to focus on their roles leading to a broader scope of work in delivery and implementation of the organization’s long-term goals and objectives.
- Improved Communication and Collaboration: Direct employment fosters stronger communication and collaboration within our organization and with our partners.
- Staff Protections and Benefits: The Friends are now able to provide Workers’ Compensation and contribute toward FICA and Social Security for our employees, fostering a stronger connection between the organization and our staff.
We are very pleased to announce our talented staff as our first employees:
- Lexy Dorzweiler is now employed as our Administrative Assistant. Lexy spends approximately 500 hours each year providing support to the Board and maintaining our membership records and communications.
- Tim Hansel is now employed as our Education Coordinator. This position coordinates all our K-12 field trips, as well as adult and partner organization learning opportunities. Tim also supports our Education Committee.
- Rob Schubert is now employed directly as our Land Manager. This position was funded by the Friends as limited-term employment (LTE) by Dane County Parks. Now, as a direct employee, Rob can expand his expertise to encompass the portions of the Conservancy within the City of Middleton and those areas outside of the Conservancy, yet within the Watershed. Rob also supports our Restoration & Management Committee.
We are confident that this transition will strengthen the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy and enable us to even more effectively protect and enhance this valuable natural resource for generations to come.
Please join us in welcoming Lexy, Tim, and Rob to their new employment status.
