Nachusa Illinois Invasive Plant Monitoring Tech

The Nature Conservancy • Franklin Grove, IL

1d • $16 • Onsite

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: The Nachusa Invasive Plant Monitoring Technician will work to monitor and evaluate specific natural areas management techniques at the tallgrass prairie at Nachusa Grasslands. The job has a lot of field work looking closely at plants and evaluating techniques and strategies of invasive plant management. For instance, evaluating if a particular herbicide was effective on an invasive plant. Or following up after a field has been swept for invasive plants to evaluate how well we did. This technician works closely with the project director and two ecologists on staff, and the seasonal crew. The job also includes some invasive plant management using backpack herbicide sprayers and hand spades, some hand-harvesting of native seeds. The Technicians may also assist with outreach events for visitors and volunteers. This is a full-time (average 35-40 hours per week), short-term position starting early May and ending early August, with possible extension through fall. The position is located at Nachusa Grasslands Preserve near Franklin Grove and Dixon, IL and includes nice, clean on-site housing (one technician per room, high speed internet available at Headquarters, no pets). We have one position available. Responsibilities & Scope: May interact with visitors. Works with and interacts with volunteer stewards. 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 and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. We’re Looking for You: The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is seeking an Invasive Plant Monitoring Technician to help manage and restore tallgrass prairie at the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve. This 4,000-acre preserve, near Dixon, IL, is home to more than 700 native plant species, 180 species of birds, and a herd of bison! The Technicians work together on a crew to restore agricultural lands back to high diversity prairie, wetlands, and savanna. The position affords the opportunity to engage in interesting, educational, and challenging outside work at a dynamic restoration project. This is an exceptional entry level position to learn what it really takes to do natural areas management and ecological restoration. If you enjoy being outside and interacting with people and nature, come join us today and help make a difference with the world’s leading conservation organization!

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. Light Duty walk test of one mile under 16 minutes, herbicide operators license).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Course work in ecology or experience with natural areas restoration.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• monitor and evaluate specific natural areas management techniques
• evaluating techniques and strategies of invasive plant management
• invasive plant management using backpack herbicide sprayers and hand spades
• hand-harvesting of native seeds
• assist with outreach events for visitors and 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.

What This Job Offers

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