Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Illinois River Restoration Technician assists in restoration, operations, maintenance and management of wetlands, prairie, woodlands, visitor-use amenities and other facilities on approximately 7,800 acres of nature preserves near Lewistown, IL.  The Technician position provides opportunities to learn about plants and animals and natural areas management with an emphasis on ecological restoration including interesting, educational, and challenging outside work. 
 

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.

This is a full-time (average 35 hours per week), short-term position with an hourly rate of $16.00, starting early May and ending mid-August with possible extension through fall. The team’s working hours are generally Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 4:45pm but may vary due to weather. The position is located at The Illinois River Project Office at Emiquon near Lewistown, IL. There are multiple positions available.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is seeking Technicians to help manage and restore wetlands at the Illinois River Project Office. The Technician assists with restoration and maintenance of nature preserves and facilities including areas frequented by the visiting public.   Activities include control of invasive species; timber stand improvement; maintenance of staff and public use areas and facilities; and assisting with public events and scientific research and monitoring.  The Technician also maintains and operates tools and equipment. 

The primary work location will be at Emiquon near Lewistown, IL, though there may be opportunities to commute an hour south to work at the Merwin Preserve at Spunky Bottoms, a 1,300 acre wetland restoration along the Illinois River in Brown County, IL.

What You’ll Bring:

• 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. First Aid, CPR, boating license, herbicide or pesticide application, Moderate pack walk test of 24 pounds for two miles under 30 minutes ).

Desired Qualifications

• Course work in biology, especially field-related subjects such as plant and animal identification and ecology.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members, and ability to work productively and efficiently both independently and in a team environment.
• Training and/or experience with restoration and stewardship of natural areas.

Auto Safety Policy:

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.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

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.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is $16.00 per hour (subject to required tax withholding). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.