Indiana Kankakee Sands Field & Maintenance Technician
About The Position
The Kankakee Sands Field and Maintenance Technician main duties include controlling invasive plant species, using such equipment as backpack/UTV sprayers, brush cutters, and/or chainsaws; equipment maintenance, prep, and repair; and facilities and preserve infrastructure maintenance and repair, including upkeep of trails, fencing, signs, corral. They will participate as part of our burn crew to implement prescribed fire; assist with monitoring, recordkeeping, and surveys; and use Field Maps/GIS to collect and map data. May participate in events, interact with visitors, and work with volunteers. Responsibilities & Scope: Work under close or infrequent supervision, in a team environment. Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult/ hazardous terrain, under physically demanding circumstances requiring considerable physical exertion/muscular strain. May interact with visitors and volunteers. Occasionally irregular work hours and long days, particularly during spring and fall fire season. Infrequent travel to other project areas to assist with stewardship and fire related activities. This is a temporary, full-time (40 hours per week), field position based at our Kankakee Sands Field Office in Morocco, Indiana, lasting approximately 7 months starting May 2026. Shared on-site housing may be available. The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is looking for a Kankakee Sands Field and Maintenance Technician to work with our dedicated team to protect and manage one of the largest grassland restorations in the US. Started over 25 years ago, the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands has grown to over 8,000 acres of prairie, wetland, and savanna habitat. It is part of a larger bi-state conservation area that exceeds 25,000 acres. Kankakee Sands is also home to a bison herd that contribute to the function of the prairie. With recent infrastructure improvements, the preserve is becoming a destination spot for visitors. You’ll assist our team in maintaining this beautiful landscape while building a solid foundation of skills and knowledge for the next steps in your conservation career!
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED; and 6 months of related experience.
- Experience performing physical work, including lifting up to 50lbs, preferably outdoors.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience operating various types of equipment (e.g. sprayers, brushcutters, UTV’s, etc).
- Able to obtain and/or maintain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
- Experience with plant identification.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- controlling invasive plant species, using such equipment as backpack/UTV sprayers, brush cutters, and/or chainsaws
- equipment maintenance, prep, and repair
- facilities and preserve infrastructure maintenance and repair, including upkeep of trails, fencing, signs, corral
- participate as part of our burn crew to implement prescribed fire
- assist with monitoring, recordkeeping, and surveys
- use Field Maps/GIS to collect and map data
- participate in events, interact with visitors, and work with volunteers
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
