Habitat Junior Project Assistant, NGRREC-Environment Sustainability
Vandalia, IL
Rate of Pay: $12.42/hour
Part-time- 29 hours/week for 14 weeks
Purpose:
The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is seeking one Junior Habitat Assistant to work utilizing common ecological restoration tools to establish and manage a suite of conservation practices. The primary purposes of these positions will be to work with landowners to implement the best restoration or management practice application for the particular site and utilize the necessary tools to successfully accomplish the conservation goal while preparing practitioners to think at landscape scale levels as it pertains to conservation application. This position is part of a partnership between Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) and Lewis and Clark Community College/National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC). This is a temporary part-time position (29 hrs/week starting at $12.42/hr) with a target start date of April 1, 2019 and will last until June 30, 2019. There is a possibly for an extension based on a submitted grant that would extend the Habitat Strike Team’s work until June 30, 2021.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
These assistants will be technical experts on all aspects of the conservation restoration and management, working to restore and improve conservation acres on the ground. Primary focuses will include providing on the ground conservation restoration or management for landowners enrolled in IRAP. Additional land focus areas may include state, federal and private lands which complement the IRAP program.
This position will utilize conservation restoration and habitat management tools including but not limited to tractor, ATV, rear mount broadcast seeder, trailer, brush cutter, hand tools, chemical sprayers/applicators, chainsaw, and tree spade as well as being responsible for maintenance and repair of equipment.
This position is one of several new positions of the private lands conservation hub developing at the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center. Additional professional development through field training, professional workshops, and online courses may be available for this position.
The Junior Habitat Assistant’s primary duty station will be at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center located in East Alton, IL. Habitat Strike Team will work within approximately a 90 mile radius of Godfrey, IL.
Work hours are 29 hours per week. Job includes both office and field work. Mandatory drug test and security background check, with fingerprinting, will be required of the selected applicant. This position will last until June 30, 2019, with a possibility of extension based on a submitted grant.
Duties
• Actively targeting conservation restoration and management with landowner outreach and one-on-one consultation.
• Implementing conservation practices in order to restore habitat for wildlife and improve habitat with common management practices including burning, chemical application, and hand/mechanical treatment.
• Fostering working relationships with IDNR staff and other stakeholder groups.
• Understanding and providing information to landowners about the suite conservation management practices available for habitat and wildlife goals.
• Participating in the construction, fabrication, maintenance and repair of Strike Team equipment and supplies.
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
The following are duties that are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
SKILLS REQUIRED
• Requires a minimum of a high school degree, and preferably a 2 yr. Associates degree or equivalent work experience in a natural resources field, such as, forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field. A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and transport (trailering and securing) farming equipment (tractor, planter, mower)
• Experience and knowledge of general farm equipment maintenance and repair
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies;
• Ability to work independently with little supervision;
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, forestry, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat;
• Prescribed fire, S/130 and S/190, certificate is required within 45 days of hiring.
• Chemical Operator License is required within 45 days of hiring
• Requires working knowledge of wildlife management and forest management practices for habitat restoration.
• Requires effective communication skills.
• Requires the ability to work efficiently and effectively with others (i.e. IDNR, NGOs, landowners, etc.), as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload.
• Requires possession of valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements at all times.
• A background in agriculture and/or working knowledge of agriculture is desirable.
• Field work may be taxing. The Junior Habitat Assistant will need to be a strong hiker and comfortable working in adverse environmental conditions to gain access to sites and complete field work efficiently.
Required Documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents:
- Letter of Reference 1
- Letter of Reference 2
- Letter of Reference 3
- Other Document
- Transcripts
- HR added document
** To apply, follow the link and click "Apply for this Job" https://jobs.lc.edu/postings/1457
