Natural Areas & Operations Technician, Grand Prairie Friends
Coles County, Illinois
Due 3/25/19
Overview:
The Natural Areas & Operations Tech is a unique conservation land trust position which combines ecological management, site maintenance and working with volunteer stewards on the land.
Position Dates: March-October, start dates may vary; Approx. 30 hrs./week, may include occasional weekends/holidays
Location: Primary location will be the 1,000-Acre Warbler Ridge Conservation Area in Coles County, located five miles south of Charleston (IL). Occasional duties may occur at other Grand Prairie Friends locations throughout east-central Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- 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)
- Lead trail maintenance, mowing and grounds duties
- Lead general maintenance, inventory and cleaning of buildings, fences, gates, signs, other structures within the natural areas, tools, and equipment
- Assist with installation and maintenance of restoration areas, seed collection, etc.
- Assist with ecological monitoring projects
- Assist, greet and engage visitors; monitor for trespass violations
- Assist with special event setup, operations control, as requested
- Assist the Natural Areas Manager in executing projects, as directed
- Assist Volunteer Coordinator, as requested, with workday and special event programs
- Assist in outreach programs, as requested
- Other duties as assigned
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 is preferred
- 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 chain saws, 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 occasional 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:
Hourly rate $12-$14/hr., based on experience
Application:
- Apply by March 15, 2019
- Submit Resume and Cover Letter to Sarah@grandprairiefriends.org by March 15, 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.
