Natural Areas Internship - Grand Prairie Friends: Charleston, IL (due 3/25)
Salary
$10.00-$12.00/hr based on previous experience
Description
The Natural Areas Internship is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in ecological management. Candidates with experience or interest in natural resources, or already attending college in programs related to natural resources, are encouraged to apply 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, April start dates preferred; may include some weekends/holidays
Position 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 the 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 to
pursue 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 a drug test and background check
To Apply
Submit Resume and Cover Letter to Sarah@grandprairiefriends.org by March 25, 2020
Questions regarding duties of the position, contact Jeff Peyton at Jeff@grandprairiefriends.org.
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