Grand Prairie Friends summer internship
Full-Time
Salary: $9.00-$12.00/hr in addition to $300.00 in mileage reimbursement expenses for personal vehicle use (if needed)
Job Description:Grand Prairie Friends (GPF) seeks interested applicants for (2) seasonal support positions for summer 2018 in ecological stewardship and management of natural areas in eastcentral Illinois. Interns will work independently, and as a team, to control and remove exotic, invasive plant species from prairie, wetland and woodland natural areas using mechanical and chemical techniques. Interns will be introduced to a wide variety of stewardship skills. These activities may include seed collection, ecosystem monitoring and a variety of planting opportunities. Throughout the experience, Interns will have the opportunity to work and learn from a variety of natural resource professionals, scientists, and volunteers.
Interns will become familiar with east-central Illinois natural areas management and restoration in relation to the over 900 acres owned by Grand Prairie Friends. While a dedicated amount of time will be spent at GPF's Warbler Ridge Conservation Area in Charleston (IL), Interns will work at a variety of GPF sites which range from the northern prairies of Ford/ Iroquois county to the woodlands of Coles/Shelby Counties. Interns may be provided transportation and/or mileage reimbursement for travel.
Job Qualifications: Applicants should be highly self-motivated and able to work with little or no direct supervision. Applicants must be willing and able to work in the field under a variety of environmental conditions. Completed college level course work in the biological and ecological sciences is preferred. Ability or willingness to operate hand and power tools including bow saws, clippers, power brush-cutter, chainsaw, etc. is also preferred. A pesticide applicator license will be required at the start of the internship, GPF will assist in obtaining this license for those that do not own a current license. A valid automobile driver’s license is required.
To apply: Please send letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references to: GPF Admin Director, Sarah Livesay Sarah@grandprairiefriends.org or (217) 469.0289
re: Grand Prairie Friends-Summer Internship Specific questions regarding the summer internship can be directed to: GPF Natural Areas Manager, Jeff Peyton Jeff@grandprairiefriends.org or (217) 714.4171
VISIT: www.GrandPrairieFriends.org for more information
