Southern Illinois Restoration Technician

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.

• 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.

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!

• 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).

• 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.

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. 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. 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 $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…