Restoration Technician Intern

Intern will take part in restoring one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems, tallgrass prairie. The work specifically entails collecting seed, weed management, making maps, collaborating with staff and volunteers, and also setting up for visitor and member events.

Stewards will work with a crew to remove invasive species and hand-collect native seeds.  We hand harvest seed to restore degraded agricultural lands to high diversity prairie, wetlands, and savanna on site.  There are many other tasks such as fence building, fence removal, maintaining and cleaningbuildings, setting up for events for visitors and members, running errands, and repairing equipment that provide experience in the full range of land-management responsibilities. 

Under the supervision of the Nachusa Grasslands Project Director and Restoration Ecologist, Restoration Technicians are needed for prairie and savanna management and restoration at Nachusa Grasslands, a 3,100 acre preserve near Dixon, IL.  Technicians will work with a crew to remove invasive species and hand-collect native seeds.  We hand harvest seed to restore degraded agricultural lands to high diversity prairie, wetlands, and savanna on site.  These are great opportunities to learn about plants and animals, and natural areas management with an emphasis on ecological restoration. There are many other tasks such as fence building, fence removal, maintaining and cleaning buildings, setting up for events for visitors and members, running errands, and repairing equipment.  Applicants should be able to work well with groups of people in the field. Course work in ecology or experience with natural area restoration is a plus.  A bachelor degree is preferred.  Interesting, educational, and challenging outside work at a dynamic restoration project.