Restoration Technician

Franklin Grove, Illinois (IL) 

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
TNC

This is a great entry level position to learn what it really takes to do natural areas management and restoration.  It offers interesting, educational, and challenging outside work at a dynamic restoration project.  Applicants should be able to work well with groups of people in the field.

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 3,200 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 agricultural lands back 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.  Bison will be reintroduced to Nachusa in the fall of 2014. Therefore, many tasks such as fence removal and fence building will take place to get ready for their arrival next fall.  Other duties may include maintaining and cleaning buildings, setting up for events for visitors and members, running errands, and repairing equipment. 
TNC

• High school diploma and 6 months of related experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc); valid driver’s license
• Experience following instructions from colleagues
• Experience performing physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Either enrolled in college or have a Bachelor’s degree. 
• A passion for conservation,  ecological restoration and management
• Experience and able to perform physically hard work
• A good positive attitude

• This is a full-time job lasting through October. It includes on-site housing (no pets) and high speed internet is available at Headquarters.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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."  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Restoration Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

These conditions:

• require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
TNC

• $9.00/hour

To apply to position number 41344, submit resume and cover letter as one document.  All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 16, 2013.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. The information entered in the education and work experience sections are auto screened by the system based on the basic qualifications of the position.

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