| Description |
| | The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. | | DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM SPECIFIC | | Located within the highly industrialized landscape of northern Lake County, Indiana, are fragments of the dune and swale topography that characterized the landscape of the Toleston strandplain prior to European settlement. The southern Lake Michigan lakeplain stretches along the southern shore of Lake Michigan from the southeast side of Chicago, Illinois, to the east side of Gary, Indiana, and extends south to the Lake Border Sequence Moraines. The strandplain persists in a series of relatively undisturbed tracts of dune and swale topography, ranging in size from a few acres, to nearly 180 acres, known collectively as the Indiana Toleston Strandplain Macrosite. Its widest point is approximately 13 miles. Once covering approximately 70 square miles, the natural landscape of the strandplain is now reduced to approximately 1,400 acres. This area contains several high quality remnants of the native landscape, harboring a wide range of both upland and wetland community types. | | ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | | The SLMR Preserve Assistant participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management. This may include one or more of the following functions:
• Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
• Removes exotic species
• Maintains tools and equipment
• Knowledge of north west Indiana plants/community types preferred
The entire 12 weeks will be focused on invasive plant management, as well as black oak savanna restoration on several of the Conservancy’s (and partners) natural areas within the Southern Lake Michigan Rim project area. Duties will mainly include invasive woody plant removal using power brush cutters. Working conditions will include extreme temperatures, uneven terrain, and possibly wading through deep water and muck. Applicant must be able to carry a 35- pound backpack walking on uneven terrain. | | BASIC QUALIFICATIONS | | BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma and 6 months to 1 year of related experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Experience performing physical work.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc)
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather | | ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION | | 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. | | SALARY INFORMATION | | $11.00/hour |
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