Job Post Website with Application Information
The Northwest Illinois Stewardship Co-op (“NISC”) is seeking a full time Restoration Technician. This position works as part of a crew that is responsible for implementing ecological restoration and land stewardship activities on sites owned or managed by members of NISC.
NISC is a collaboration of 10 public and private organizations in northwest Illinois that works to address pressing and urgent natural areas management concerns across jurisdictional boundaries and service regions. NISC is based in Elizabeth, Illinois and will work on some of NISC’s conservation areas located in Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, Stephenson, and/or Winnebago Counties, Illinois. Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (“JDCF”) is serving as the fiscal agent for the NISC program and the Restoration Technician will be employed by JDCF.
The Restoration Technician will implement invasive and exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest management strategies, including manual, mechanical, chemical, and prescribed burning methods. Day-to-day job duties will primarily be focused on restoring native plant and animal habitats in parks, nature preserves, and other conservation areas. As needed, the Restoration Technician will assist in the preparation of grant applications, grant reports, and land management plans.
Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Science, or similar field. Ideal candidates will also have at least 6 months of related field experience, experience using GPS/GIS software, a valid herbicide applicator’s license (or the ability to acquire one), basic certifications in prescribed burning from National Wildfire Coordinating Group or similar organization, and the ability to work cooperatively with others, including volunteers. Applicants must be able to identify common invasive and non- native plant species and familiar with the phenology thereof; have experience operating various types of equipment, including chainsaws, herbicide applicators, and UTVs; be able to perform physical work in difficult terrain and adverse weather; demonstrate capacity for leading educational and outreach activities on a semi-independent basis; and have basic computer literacy including Microsoft Office Suite.
This is a full-time, hourly position with paid time off and other benefits. Regular hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day. However, occasional evenings and weekends are required, especially during prescribed burn seasons. To view the complete job description and requirements, please visit www.jdcf.org.