Individual Placement - Farm Creek and Illinois Waterway Park Ranger (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Student Conservation Association•Peoria, IL

1d•$350•Onsite

About The Position

The primary objective of this position is to assist the Park Ranger assigned to the Farm Creek Project and Illinois Waterway with numerous responsibilities. The SCA member will engage in activities related to environmental stewardship, flood risk management, recreation programs, environmental education and outreach, and volunteer coordination. This role involves supporting initiatives for preserving and enhancing the natural environment, maintaining infrastructure for flood mitigation, contributing to recreational activities, conducting educational programs, and directing volunteer crews in conservation efforts.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience in interpretive programming
Working knowledge of trail design, construction and maintenance
Working knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) practice and principles in a planning or natural resource management context.
Familiar with Global Positioning System (GPS) units.
Familiar with software products such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, relational databases and geospatial mapping.
Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license
Possess good verbal and written communications skills.
Physical ability to navigate developed and dispersed recreational sites and other natural areas, lift and carry a 20 lb. object (position may require extended periods in the outdoors during adverse conditions such as heat, cold or rain.)
Ability to work as part of a team and take directions from USACE staff.

Nice To Haves

Coursework, class exercises or degree in resource management or communications, especially in natural resources context.
Coursework, class exercises or degree in GIS, especially in natural resources context.
Previous paid or volunteer experience in collecting GIS or GPS data.
Previous natural/environmental sciences or outdoor recreation experience as employee or volunteer.
Some knowledge of boating and water safety.
Customer service or work with public, especially children and young adults.
Chainsaw operation
Landscaping/yard work experience
Basic hand tool skills.
First Aid, CPR, AED training
Previous natural/environmental sciences, environmental education/outreach, or outdoor recreation experience as employee or volunteer.

Responsibilities

Assist the Park Ranger with numerous responsibilities at the Farm Creek Project and Illinois Waterway.
Support initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural environment, including prairie restoration, controlled burns, and invasive species inventory and removal.
Assist in the maintenance of infrastructure to mitigate flood risks.
Contribute to the development and management of recreational activities.
Assist with water safety activities by land and water, including boat safety patrol and public education programs.
Conduct educational programs to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
Direct volunteer crews in trail maintenance and other conservation efforts.
Provide trail maintenance and/or construction support.
Assist with GIS data collection and input.
Conduct natural resource inventories and surveys.
Participate in timber stand improvement projects.
Engage in water quality and prairie restoration work.
Plan, layout, build and maintain wildflower and/or pollinator gardens.
Operate tractor, ATV, and other equipment as needed.
Update brochures and presentations.
Write text for articles and design interpretive panels focused on wildlife, natural resources, habitat restoration, and flood risk management.
Plan and develop materials for youth environmental education.
Assist with project tours and outreach events in the local community.
Present Corps Water Safety Programs at schools, parks, and special events.
Assist Corps Rangers with safety patrol by land or water.
Provide field support for other natural resource programs including recreation, botany, wildlife biology and park operations.