IL River Program Maintenance & Operation Field Steward

The Nature Conservancy • Lewistown, IL

1d • $25 - $26

About The Position

The IL River Program Maintenance & Operation Field Steward participates in preserve-based conservation programs, maintenance and management of wetlands, prairie, woodlands, visitor-use amenities and other facilities on approximately 7,800 acres of nature preserves. They will evaluate, prioritize and plan for maintenance and restoration needs, and communicate with team implementation strategies. Responsibilities & Scope: Works under close or infrequent supervision. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult or hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. May interact with visitors. The Maintenance & Operation Field Steward maintains facilities, tools and equipment, mechanical systems and vehicles, preserve areas, and infrastructure (roads and trails) frequented by the visiting public. They undertake restoration projects on preserves and with partners of preserves, and coordinates community support. The Maintenance & Operation Field Steward operates heavy machinery, leads work teams, may remove exotic species and/or conduct species monitoring. They may serve on fire crews and assist with inventory and purchasing machinery. They may implement science monitoring or data collection and accurate record keeping. The team’s working hours are generally Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 4:45pm (average 35 hours per week) but may vary due to weather. This position may work an alternate schedule of Monday through Friday 7 working hours per day. This full-time position is located at The Illinois River Project Office at Emiquon near Lewistown, IL and may include work at other sites including the Merwin Preserve a 1,300 acre wetland restoration along the Illinois River an hour south in Brown County IL. Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and acquiring building permits. May supervise staff, or help plan, direct or convey work instructions to preserve work groups, including other staff or volunteers. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. May resolve preserve management problems independently or as delegated; will work primarily with infrequent direct supervision.

Requirements

• High school diploma and 4 years’ direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance.
• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery. (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, various sized tractors, backhoe, bulldozer, dump truck, two-way radio, etc.).
• Experience working with electrical, plumbing, welding, and concrete.
• Experience coordinating teams to complete construction and repair projects.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR, boating license, herbicide or pesticide application, Moderate pack walk test of 24 pounds for two miles under 30 minutes).
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
• The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems such as wetlands, prairies and forests.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
• PC familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Maintains facilities, tools and equipment, mechanical systems and vehicles, preserve areas, and infrastructure (roads and trails) frequented by the visiting public.
• Undertake restoration projects on preserves and with partners of preserves, and coordinates community support.
• Operates heavy machinery, leads work teams, may remove exotic species and/or conduct species monitoring.
• Serve on fire crews and assist with inventory and purchasing machinery.
• Implement science monitoring or data collection and accurate record keeping.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and acquiring building permits.
• May supervise staff, or help plan, direct or convey work instructions to preserve work groups, including other staff or volunteers.
• May resolve preserve management problems independently or as delegated

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED