Restoration Technician at Nachusa Grasslands
The Nature Conservancy
OFFICE LOCATION
Franklin Grove, Illinois, USA
Nachusa Grasslands Office, Franklin Grove, IL
Dixon, IL
The Illinois Nachusa Restoration Technicians will work together to manage and restore tallgrass prairie at
Nachusa Grasslands. The work includes invasive weed management using backpack herbicide sprayers
and hand spades, hand-harvesting native seeds, and assisting with native plantings. The Technicians will
also assist with outreach events for visitors and volunteers, maintain public preserve areas, and repair
and maintain tools and equipment.
This is a full-time (average 37.5 hours per week), short-term position starting early May and ending early
August, with possible extension through fall. The position is located at Nachusa Grasslands Preserve
near Franklin Grove and Dixon, IL and includes nice, clean on-site housing (one technician per room,
high speed internet available at Headquarters, no pets). We have multiple positions available.
Responsibilities & Scope:
• May interact with visitors.
• Works with and interacts with volunteer stewards.
• Works under close or infrequent supervision.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated
settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is seeking Restoration Technicians to help manage and restore
tallgrass prairie at the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve. This 4,000-acre preserve, near Dixon, IL, is home
to more than 700 native plant species, 180 species of birds, and a herd of bison! The Technicians work
together on a crew to restore agricultural lands back to high diversity prairie, wetlands, and savanna. The
position affords the opportunity to engage in interesting, educational, and challenging outside work at a
dynamic restoration project. This is an exceptional entry level position to learn what it really takes to do
natural areas management and ecological restoration. If you enjoy being outside and interacting with
people and nature, come join us today and help make a difference with the world’s leading conservation
organization!
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn
mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. Moderate pack walk test
of 24 pounds for two miles under 30 minutes, First Aid, CPR, herbicide application).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Course work in ecology or experience with natural areas restoration.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on
behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program,
visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may
include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
SALARY INFORMATION
The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is $16.00 per hour (subject to required tax
withholding). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a
successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including,
for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries
outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market,
and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 56153, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button
at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or
contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the
recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people
of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive
organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures,
races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation,
gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background
screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience
with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled
veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability,
please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC
strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to
being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.
Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible
location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established
as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of
our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their
location specific range upon request.
