Nachusa Illinois Restoration Technician

What We Can Achieve Together:

The 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 35‑40 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.

• 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.

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!

• 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).

• 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.

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." 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.

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is $16.00 per hour (subject to required tax with holdings). 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.

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…