Deadline: Mon, 03/13/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Job Field: Forestry Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Illinois Location Detail: Elizabeth Job Description: The Northwest Illinois Stewardship Co-op (NISC), a program of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF), 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 and privately-owned conservation areas located in Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, Stephenson, and/or Winnebago Counties, Illinois. 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 project proposals, grant reports, and land management plans. Ideal candidates will have a love of the outdoors, a strong work ethic, and willingness to learn or obtain relevant skills. Ideal candidates will also have a valid herbicide applicator’s license, experience with prescribed burning, and the ability to work cooperatively with others, including volunteers. Preference will be given to applicants who can identify common invasive and non-native plant species; have experience operating various types of equipment, including chainsaws, herbicide applicators, and UTVs; be able to perform physical work in challenging outdoor settings; and have a desire to be part of a growing community-oriented conservation organization. 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. Qualifications: BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: •High school diploma or equivalent •Love of the outdoors •Strong work ethic •Willingness to learn required job skills (described below) •Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including chainsaws, herbicide applicators, tractors, trucks, trailers, and ATVs. •Ability to perform arduous physical work in difficult terrain. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Restoration Technician eradicates invasive and non-native plants from conservation areas owned or managed by members of the Northwest Illinois Stewardship Cooperative (NISC). The Restoration Technician will implement invasive, exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest management strategies. Control strategies will include manual, mechanical, prescribed fire, and chemical techniques. This position may use accurate and detailed data collection to plan and report invasive species management using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This includes the following functions: •Removes exotic species using manual, mechanical, prescribed fire, and chemical techniques •Documents stewardship activities and/or monitors species using computers and handheld electronic equipment •Assists with prescribed burns •Maintains tools and equipment •Assists with preparing reports and presentations •Assists with research and gathering of information on invasive species REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: •1-2 years training in a Natural Resources-related field or related experience in land management(preferred, but not required) •Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize and identify plant and animal species. • Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; chainsaw, tractor, pumper, ATV, 4-wheel drive vehicle, brush cutter, etc.) • Ability to follow instructions from colleagues • Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather, such as carrying up to 40 lbs. up to 5 miles over steep terrain for 7 hours/day • Willingness and ability to travel throughout northwest Illinois • Ability and willingness to have a varying and flexible work schedule with occasional work on evenings and weekends. • Ability to obtain proper prescribed fire certification including NWCG S130, S190, and S212, with the opportunity to advance to burn boss. • Valid herbicide applicator’s license or ability to acquire such within 2 weeks of hire date. • Valid driver’s license • Computer literacy, including using a database to maintain land management records, use of the internet, and Microsoft Office Suite COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: • May resolve preserve management problems independently as delegated. • Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex land management problems. DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: • Consults supervisor on unusual or complex issues • Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor. • Ability to work independently without direct oversight RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – SUPERVISORY: • Receives detailed instructions to complete required tasks • May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision • Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct work groups, including other staff or volunteers. COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: • Ability to convey work instructions to other preserve management team members, including volunteers. • Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information. • Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team. • Ability to communicate effectively with multiple supervisors in different locations. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: The Restoration Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions: • Require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain • Require long hours occasionally in isolated settings • Require the ability to work in extreme hot and cold temperatures • Require tolerance of stinging and biting insects Salary: $17 to $20 an hour Benefits: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS : •$18 to $20 an hour •Paid time off package •Employer-sponsored health insurance •IRA contribution match (after two years of employment) Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. How to Apply: To apply, send résumé, cover letter, and three professional references by email to jpulfer@jdcf.org Or by mail to: Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation Attn: Jake Pulfer PO Box 216 Elizabeth, Illinois 61028 Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.
