Job Description
Site Stewardship & Ecological Restoration
Makes management decisions based upon accepted ecological principles; collects and distributes native plant seeds to accelerate the restoration of disturbed plant communities; and translocates and monitors imperiled plants and animals.
Uses mowers, brushcutters, chainsaws, loppers, and backpack sprayers to cut, remove, and herbicide invasive plant species that have encroached upon the preserve and assists in planning and execution of prescribed burning.
In accordance with the MOU between the University and TNC and other relevant agreements, the Steward helps with maintenance and care of equipment and shared facilities owned by TNC and used by the University.
As needed, the Steward obtains permits and approvals from and reports to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC), Illinois Department of Natural Resources, EPA, and state and local authorities.
The Steward applies for grants to do ecological stewardship, hires and supervises staff and interns, and recruits and oversees volunteers.
With all of these stakeholders, and with other parties interested in the ecological restoration of the Markham Shkode Prairies, the Steward develops and maintains strong working relationships.
Education and Outreach
Provides on-site public lectures and trail guide service; participates in lectures and seminars sponsored by colleges, municipalities, civic groups, and professional organizations.
Plans and directs public relations activities involving the local community, municipal and public utility representatives, educational and conservation organizations, as well as the print and electronic media.
Works to increase engagement with the local community, including in coordination with TNC’s Community Engagement Specialist, organizing events.
Throughout, maintains strong communication with municipalities, community groups, volunteers, and partner organizations.
Actively develops partnerships with academic programs, faculty, and student groups to integrate the prairie into University coursework, research, internships, and co-curricular activities.
Site Maintenance
Maintains an accessible trail system, repairs fences, removes trash, and builds and installs signs; stores, transports, and helps maintain university and partner-owned tractors, mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, fire-fighting equipment, and other tools and equipment.
Provides on-site security to prevent vandalism, trash dumping, and other activities considered to be incompatible with the management of a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve.
Activities are conducted in coordination with TNC and in alignment with shared management priorities.
Research activities
Obtains external funding to conduct conservation-related research, restoration, and educational activities at Gensburg-Markham Prairie or the Markham Shkode Prairies system, and hires and supervises interns, student employees, and staff to suppo
Qualifications
Minimum Acceptable Qualification:
1. High school diploma or equivalent. (Verification will be conducted by Human Resources).
Preferred Qualifications:
-Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, or at least 4 years experience in ecological land management and restoration activities with increasing levels of responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
-Prescribed burning experience or willingness to learn and obtain NWCG certifications.
-Skill in identifying Midwest US plant species or willingness to learn.
-Herbicide applicators license or willingness to obtain one.
-Experience safely operating a range of equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, UTVs/ATVs/OHVs, two-way radios, or similar).
-Experience in media engagement and communicating effectively with the public and diverse stakeholders.
-Familiarity with the application of social justice principles to environmental work.
-Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
-Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
Physical Requirements: Ability to qualify for required certifications (e.g. moderate pack test; carrying 24 lbs for 2 miles in under 30 minutes).
Work Schedule: Normal weekday hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. will occasionally be adjusted for time-sensitive management activities that may occur during early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Location: Gensburg-Markham Prairie in Markham, Illinois
Setting: Extensive outdoor work, in a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year, is required. This is an on-site position; work from home is not available.
This position requires a background check.
Salary
$55,000 - $60,000
Links
Prairie Conservation Steward (JR100744)
Contact Information
| University/Agency
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Northeastern Illinois University
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| Department/College
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Biology
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| Contact
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Molly Filipowicz
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| Phone Number
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7734425223
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| Address
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| Comments
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