Description
What We Can Achieve Together:
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.
We’re Looking for You:
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.
What You’ll Bring:
- 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).
Desired Qualifications:
- 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.
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.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $24.50 – $26.00 hourly rate, which is annualized to approximately $44,590 to $47,320 (subject to required tax withholding). This amount only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where 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.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
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.
