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  • Restoration Supervisor, National Audubon Society (Chicago, IL) Due ASAP

    Jul 31, 2015 9:30 pm by phodson@illinois.eduJobs

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    Restoration Supervisor

    Job Location 
    US-IL-Chicago
     
    Type 
    Temporary, Full-Time
     
    Job Category 
    Land Stewardship
     
    ID 
    2015-2577
     

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    More information about this job:

    Overview:

    Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action.  By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive.  And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level.  What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 22 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country.  Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

     Position Summary:

    Audubon’s Wings internship program invites students and recent graduates to help shape a healthy environment and vibrant future for birds – and all of us who share the planet with them.

     

    Under the direction of Audubon's Stewardship Associate, Restoration Supervisors manage a team that restores the prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands in the 68,000 acres of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. S/he will lead small groups on projects developed in collaboration with Audubon, Forest Preserve staff, and volunteer Stewards. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the growing network of individuals and organizations in the Chicago area that possess a personal commitment to conservation.

     

    This internship is Audubon's collaborative effort with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to restore ecological integrity and health in a wide spectrum of habitats. This is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience in natural areas management.

     

    This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, seasonal position that runs from September through March. Preference will be given to experienced candidates who can committ to the full length of the internship. There is some flexibility in the start and end dates (please specify availability in cover letter).

     
    Essential Functions:

    Restoration Supervisors will receive on-the-job training as they work on a variety of projects developed in collaboration with Audubon, Forest Preserve staff, and volunteer Stewards. The Supervisor will develop skills in a variety of practices related to the management of natural habitats, including:


    • Team supervision in the management and restoration of prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands in the 68,000 acres of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. 
    • Execution of habitat management plans through restoration activity

    • Applying creative thinking to solve challenges encountered in ecological restoration

    • Develop leadership and team-building skills

    • Brush and weed management by using a wide variety of tools including backpack herbicide sprayers and chainsaws.
    • Restoration techniques, plant identification, seed gathering, seed planting and, when applicable, controlled burns

    • Occasional interaction with members of the public visiting the Preserves

     

    The internship is physically rigorous and offers interesting, educational, and challenging work outdoors to individuals who are energetic and motivated.

     
    Qualifications and Experience:

    • Must have access to a car for transport to work sites.

    • Ability to quickly study and pass Illinois herbicide applicator test.

    • Ability to quickly learn to safely use basic maintenance tools, including chainsaw; restoration experience strongly preferred.

    • Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain while maintaining a positive attitude.

    • Ability to motivate and lead a small team.

    • Ability to creatively solve problems.

    • Ability to follow instructions, make independent decisions, and maintain work ethic and team spirit

    • Must possess the ability to communicate in an effective and organized manner.
    • Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.

    • Excellent judgment is a necessity.

    • Experience in habitat restoration and with GPS/GIS preferred.

    • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some weekend days, if needed.

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