JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Natural Land Steward
Summary: Grand Prairie Friends (GPF) seeks applicants for a seasonal land steward to help manage prairie and woodland natural areas in east-central Illinois. This position starts on or about May 9, 2016 and is expected to run through November 2016. GPF owns about 700 acres of land at approximately 11 properties in parts of Iroquois, Champaign, Vermilion, Shelby, and Coles counties. The largest holdings are forested land in Coles County south of Charleston. In addition, GPF helps steward other prairie and woodland natural areas in the region.
Job Responsibilities: The GPF Land Steward will perform ecological restoration duties to control and remove invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical techniques in forest and prairie natural areas. The Land Steward will also be responsible for the general upkeep, maintenance, and repair of tools used in the course of work. These tools include chainsaws, leaf blowers, power brush cutters, loppers, handsaws, hand-pruners, backpack herbicide sprayers, and other hand tools. Other duties may include sign installation and maintenance, fence and boundary monitoring and maintenance, and seed collecting. The Land Steward is expected to keep track of all activities performed (e.g. task, time spent, assessment) and provide written reports as requested. The Land Steward is expected to lead or work alongside volunteers as requested. The Land Steward will report to the president of the GPF Board of Directors or their designee.
Qualifications and Requirements: Applicants should be highly self-motivated, able to work with little or no direct supervision, and bring a strong work and conservation ethic. Applicants should either have a college degree in the biological, ecological, or environmental sciences, working toward a degree, or have work experience with natural areas management on a volunteer or professional basis. Applicants must be willing and able to perform outdoor physical labor under a variety of environmental conditions (e.g. harsh weather, biting insects); to handle, mix, and apply herbicides in a safe and effective manner; to stand or walk through uneven terrain for hours at a time carrying equipment; and to haul cut brush by hand. Preferred applicants will have some plant identification knowledge and a strong desire to learn. Attention to detail, ability to solve problems, ability to work alone, and good communication skills will be important. Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license. Must be able to obtain an Illinois Pesticide Applicator license within 30 days of hire.
Compensation: $12-20/hour commensurate with experience.
Our mission is to preserve and restore natural communities in east-central Illinois and promote an understanding and appreciation of natural resources.
To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by April 10, 2016. Please send letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references to:
James Ellis (james.ellis72@gmail.com)
re: Grand Prairie Friends-Land Steward 2016
Specific questions regarding this position can be directed to James Ellis
(james.ellis72@gmail.com or 217.244.5695).
GPF is an all-volunteer not-for-profit conservation organization and land trust with a small but dedicated cadre of members. Our mission is to preserve and restore natural communities in eastcentral Illinois and promote an understanding and appreciation of natural resources. We carry out this mission by acquiring, protecting, and managing land and educating local citizens about the importance of our natural world. We were formed in 1984 to protect a small railroad prairie remnant in Champaign County, and since that time we have expanded our focus to include both prairie and forest conservation. More information about GPF can be found at grandprairiefriends.org and join us at facebook.com/grandprairiefriends.