The Wetlands Initiative is hiring a full-time restoration specialist to work with our team to conduct year-round prairie and wetland restoration and management at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge in Hennepin, Illinois. The Dixon Refuge is a 3,000-acre restoration of backwater marshes and lakes, wet meadows, prairies, and savannas. The refuge is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site, and includes an important Illinois State Nature Preserve. The Refuge is famous for its diversity of plant life and wildlife, including the thousands of migratory waterfowl that visit the site annually. Some of the site is open to the public, with several miles of trails and opportunities to experience what Illinois was like over 200 years ago.
Responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:
- Managing non-native and invasive plant species
- Planting native plants and seed
- Assisting with prescribed burns
- Working with and directing volunteers
- Interacting with the public
- Other tasks associated with landscape restoration and management
Qualifications:
- A love of the outdoors
- Some experience in one or more of the following fields: biology, environmental science, natural resource management, botany, ecology, conservation
- Familiarity with or a desire to learn more about ecological restoration
- Interest in Illinois native plants, including basic plant identification skills
- Herbicide applicator license or ability to pass the Illinois Pesticide Applicator exam within four weeks of starting
- Prescribed burn certification, or ability to obtain certification by fall of 2021
- Reasonably good physical condition, with the ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
- Ability to work outside under adverse weather conditions
- Ability to use power tools, including chain saws, brush cutters, and power augers following completion of appropriate training
- Good attitude and willingness to be a team player
Preferred qualifications:
- Familiarity with and ability to identify Illinois flora
- Familiarity with and ability to identify Illinois wildlife
- Familiarity with the use of power tools, including chain saws, brush cutters, and power augers
- Familiarity with the use of various herbicides and a current or previous aquatic applicators license
- Comfort with and ability to speak and interact with the public
Send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Dr. Gary Sullivan, Senior Ecologist, at gsullivan@wetlands-initiative.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates may be asked for a virtual personal interview.