Natural Areas Internship, Grand Prairie Friends
East-central Illinois
Due 3/25/19
Salary: $9-$12/hr., based on experience
Overview:
The Natural Areas Internship is designed for individuals who have completed at least their sophomore year of college in programs related to natural resources, biological sciences or similar and are interested in pursuing a career in ecological management, restoration or similar.
As a land trust, GPF offers interns a unique opportunity to participate in a non-governmental (private, non-profit) land management agency. Interns will interact with the variety of private and governmental agencies and professionals that work together to facilitate land management on these sites, most of which are enrolled as Land & Water Reserves or Nature Preserves.
Position Dates: May – August, start dates may vary; may include some weekends/ holidays
Location: Duties may occur at Grand Prairie Friends locations throughout east-central Illinois. Frequent location will be the 1,000-Acre Warbler Ridge Conservation Area in Coles County, located five miles south of Charleston (IL).
Objectives:
- Shadow a variety of professional stewards, biologists and restoration specialists
- Attend professional development seminar(s)
- Identify, monitor and manage invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical control methods; this can include use of prescribed burning, bladed trimmers, hand loppers, and backpack herbicide applications (training/ certification provided)
- Interact with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission System
- Assist with trail maintenance and grounds
- Assist with restoration areas, seed collection
- Assist with ecological monitoring projects
- Assist, greet and engage visitors/ outreach
- Assist the Natural Areas Manager in executing projects, as directed
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED
- Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
- Knowledge of Illinois plants and wildlife and/or coursework in Natural Resources; intention topursue a career in natural resources
- Pesticide Applicator License (coursework/ testing provided by Grand Prairie Friends)
- Ability, or willingness to learn, to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and small and large engine equipment including the use of chainsaws, brush chipper, and manual transmission vehicles
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
- Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively function without close supervision
- Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed
- Ability to successfully pass drug test and background check
Physical Requirements:
Requires strenuous physical work; Frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds
Compensation:
- $9.00-12.00/hr., based on experience
- Grand Prairie Friends will work with all College/ University academic requirements. Academic internships must accompany intern-led project.
Application:
- Apply by March 25, 2019
- Submit Resume and Cover Letter to Sarah@grandprairiefriends.org by March 25, 2019. Questions regarding technician position, contact Jeff Peyton at Jeff@grandprairiefriends.org
About Grand Prairie Friends:
Grand Prairie Friends serves as a private, not-for-profit, conservation land trust whose mission is to preserve and restore natural communities in east-central Illinois and promote an understanding and appreciation of natural resources. Grand Prairie Friends owns and manages over 1,060 acres of remnant and restored tallgrass prairie, woodland and wetlands in Champaign, Coles, Iroquois, Shelby, and Vermilion counties.
