Natural Areas Maintenance Internships - Rockford Park District

JOB DESCRIPTION

Primary duties emphasize field implementation of restoration work and or monitoring native systems, including but not limited to brush removal and herbicide application; exotic weed control; seed collection, processing and planting; wildlife management; and wetland and stream restoration; collection and analysis of biological data, and ecosystem surveys.

EDUCATIONAL VALUE:

Intern will gain an understanding of how and why ecological restoration is practiced in Northern Illinois natural areas. Furthermore, interns will have the opportunity to learn about the operations of other RPD Departments, such as Horticulture and Urban Forestry.

QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

Applicants should have a minimum of 1 year of course work in ecology, biology, geography, natural resource management, earth sciences or a related conservation field; willingness to acquire Illinois herbicide operator’s license; possess a current, valid driver’s license. Internship involves outdoor work in all weather conditions as well as indoor work, involving both light and heavy lifting. Frequent amount of time spent walking and moderate time spent sitting and standing. Possible work hazards include herbicides/pesticides operation, use of power equipment (i.e. chainsaws), and contact with nature (i.e. bees, insects/spiders, poison ivy, etc.).

SCHEDULE:

Mid/late May through August; up to 40 hour work week Monday through Friday, usually 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m with occasional overtime and weekend / holiday work. **

WAGES & BENEFITS:

$9.00 per hour, college credit is possible as approved by applicant’s institution and advisor.

APPLICATION:

Send cover letter and resume of relevant training and experience, dates of availability, and (unofficial) transcript. Evaluation of applications begins as they are received so early application is encouraged.

CONTACT:

Nathan Hill

Supervisor, Horticulture and Natural Areas

Rockford Park District

Mobile: 815 289-9901

Mail: 401 S. Main St. STE 117, Rockford, IL 61101

nathanhill@rockfordparkdistrict.org

**They have 3 general options for employment –

1. Now through December 31, 2014 finishing State Wildlife Grant at Searls Park Prairie Nature Preserve, Work involves bobcat operation, chainsaw, spraying herbicides, seed collection, seeding, mowing and prescribed fire.

2. Starting around March 2015 up to about October 2015 general natural areas restoration work, spraying, mowing, planting, seeding, seed collection, tree planting etc

3. Starting Spring 2015 monitoring and research opportunities. Update Rockford Park District Tree Inventory using GIS/GPS, Conduct Insect/Butterfly monitoring at Searls Park Praire Nature Preserve, Conduct Plant/Forest monitoring at various high quality natural areas. Any other research or monitoring you would be interested in doing that fits with our management goals.