Kankakee Sands Illinois Restoration Technician at The Nature Conservancy United States

Hopkins Park, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Apr, 26

Salary

17.0

Posted On

26 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Prescribed Fire Implementation, Native Plant Transplanting, Seed Harvesting, Invasive Species Control, Equipment Operation, GPS Usage, GIS Mapping, Trail Maintenance, Visitor Interaction, Volunteer Coordination, Physical Fitness, Plant Recognition, Wildland Firefighter Training, First Aid Certification, Herbicide Application, Chainsaw Operation, UTV Operation

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

What We Can Achieve Together: The Kankakee Sands Restoration Technician will perform as part of our burn crew to implement prescribed fire; transplant native plants; harvest, clean, and process seed; and control invasive species using brush cutters, chainsaws, and herbicide applied from UTV’s and backpack sprayers and learn how to use GPS and GIS to map applications. They assist with preserve management including upkeep of trails, fencing, signs, and bison viewing area; and participate in events, interact with visitors, and work with volunteers. Responsibilities & Scope: May interact with visitors and volunteers. 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, under physically demanding circumstances, requiring considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Irregular work hours and long days, particularly during spring and fall fire season. This is a short-term, full-time (35 hours), field position based at our Kankakee Sands preserve in Illinois and Indiana, with a Field Office in Morocco, Indiana, lasting approximately 6 months starting around May. There are multiple positions available. We’re Looking for You: The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is looking for a Kankakee Sands Restoration Technician to work with our dedicated team in protecting what is becoming a destination spot for visitors in Indiana. Started over 25 years ago, the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands has grown to over 8000 acres of prairie, wetland, and savanna habitat. It’s among the largest grassland restorations in the US, part of a larger bi-state conservation area that exceeds 25,000 acres, and home to a bison herd that contribute to the function of the prairie ecosystem. You’ll assist our staff in maintaining this beautiful landscape and gain some valuable experience while building your skills and knowledge for the next steps in your conservation career! 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, herbicide or pesticide application). Desired Qualifications Experience recognizing plant and animal species. Meets, or willing and able to obtain, minimum TNC NWCG training for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including the physical fitness requirements at the arduous level. 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 range for a candidate selected for this position is $17.00 an 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. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

Responsibilities

The Kankakee Sands Restoration Technician will implement prescribed fire, transplant native plants, and control invasive species. They will also assist with preserve management and interact with visitors and volunteers.