What We Can Achieve Together:
The Restoration Technician works as part of the Southern Illinois Interagency Habitat and Fuels Crew, assisting with non-native invasive species (NNIS) management on the Shawnee National Forest. As part of our team, you will perform chemical and mechanical treatments on invasive plants, along with associated inventory, monitoring, and data collection activities. Your work will help to protect and restore forests, grasslands, and wetlands across a large geographic area.
Responsibilities & Scope:
Safe handling, transportation, mixing, application, storage and clean-up of herbicides and application equipment.
Operation and maintenance of backpack sprayers and high-volume pumps for herbicide application.
May work in hot and humid conditions at remote locations with difficult and hazardous terrain.
Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
May require long hours in isolated settings; and early start times to avoid working during the hottest part of the day.
May occasionally work without supervision.
This is a short-term, full-time (35 hours a week) position based in Carterville, Illinois running May through August, with the potential to extend into the fall. We have multiple positions available.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you a recent graduate or looking for a summer job while working towards your degree in forestry, conservation, environmental sciences, or a similar field? The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is looking for hard-working nature enthusiasts that are ready to make a difference in an ecologically diverse and unique landscape. As part of our team, you’ll learn from and network with seasoned professionals while gaining hands-on experience and skills in ecological restoration for the next step in your conservation career!
What You’ll Bring:
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently ( e.g. chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Desired Qualifications
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Ability to follow instructions from supervisor, colleagues, and partners.
PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
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.
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 the Auto Safety information page 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 $18.00 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.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.
