Jobs Title:
Restoration Specialist

Post Date
6/4/2018

Expiration Date
6/30/2018

Details:
The Northwest Illinois Land Stewardship Co-op (“NISC”) is seeking two full time Restoration Specialists. These positions will form the Invasive Species Strike Team, which is responsible for the management and eradication of invasive species on sites owned or managed by members of the NISC. NISC is a collaboration of 9 public and private organizations in northwest Illinois that works to address pressing and urgent natural areas management concerns across jurisdictional boundaries and service regions. The Strike Team will be based in Stockton, Illinois or Freeport, Illinois and will work on some of NISC’s conservation areas located in Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, Stephenson, and/or Winnebago Counties, Illinois. Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (“JDCF”) is serving as the fiscal agent for the Invasive Species Strike Team project and the Restoration Specialists will be employed by JDCF.

The Restoration Specialists will implement invasive and exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest management strategies, including mechanical, chemical, and prescribed burning methods. The Restoration Specialists will also be responsible for designing and leading various educational and outreach activities aimed towards the general public across the northwest Illinois region as opportunities arise.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Science, or similar field. Candidates should also have at least 6 months of related field experience, experience using GPS/GIS software, a valid herbicide applicator’s license or the ability to acquire one, a valid Illinois Prescribed Burn Manager certification or the ability to acquire one, and the ability to work cooperatively with others, including volunteers. Applicants must be able to identify invasive and non-native plant species; have experience operating various types of equipment, including chainsaws, herbicide applicators, and ATVs; be able to perform physical work in difficult terrain and adverse weather; demonstrate capacity for leading educational and outreach activities on a semi-independent basis; and have basic computer literacy including Microsoft Office Suite. This is a full-time, salaried position with paid time off. The term of the position is 24 months, with the possibility of employment being continued for another term or made permanent. To view the complete job description and requirements, please visit www.jdcf.org.

To apply, send résumé and cover letter to landprotection@jdcf.org, or

Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
Attn: Jim Johannsen
PO Box 216
Elizabeth, Illinois 61028

Applications will not be accepted later than June 30, 2018.

Qualifications:
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field.
• One or more years training in natural resource management or work in natural resource-related field.
• Ability to identify invasive and non-native herbaceous and woody plant species.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including chainsaws, herbicide applicators, tractors, trucks, trailers, and ATVs.
• Ability to lead educational and outreach activities geared toward the general public as needs arise.
• Ability to perform arduous physical work in difficult terrain.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Restoration Specialist eradicates invasive and non-native plants from conservation areas owned or managed by members of the Northwest Illinois Land Stewardship Cooperative. The Restoration Specialist 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 will use accurate and detailed data collection to plan and report invasive species management using Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

This may include one or more of 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 and serves as a Burn Boss on prescribed burns
• Maintains tools and equipment
• Assists with preparing reports and presentations
• Assists with research and gathering of information on invasive species
• Assist with designing and leading workshops and educational events for the general public.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• 1-2 years training in a Natural Resources related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize 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 fire certification including NWCG S-130/190, NWCG S-212, and Illinois Prescribed Burn Manager certification.
• 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
• Basic knowledge of ArcMap GIS/GPS software

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.
• Monitor the progress of work groups toward achieving preserve management goals.

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.
• Ability to plan and teach training sessions for the general public in the areas of invasive species control, prescribed fire, chainsaw training, etc.
• Ability to conduct various educational and outreach activities aimed toward the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Restoration Specialist 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 and arachnids

Employer:
Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
Contact:
Jim Johannsen

Address:
PO Box 216
126 N. Main St.

Work Phone:
8158589100

Email:
landprotection@jdcf.org

Website:
www.jdcf.org