Job Announcement - NW IL Restoratio​n Specialist​/Invasive Strike Team

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is seeking an experienced restoration specialist to join a team who will eradicate invasive plants from state parks and natural areas in Northwest Illinois.


Control strategies will include manual, mechanical, prescribed fire and chemical techniques. This 2 year position will operate out of the Lost Mound Field Station/Mississippi Palisades State Park. Please submit resumes to Jeff Horn, JDCF, PO Box 216, Elizabeth, IL 61028 or via email to jeff@jdcf.org by December 21, 2012.

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Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation

126 N. Main St., P.O. Box 216, Elizabeth, IL 61028

815-858-9100

POSITION TITLE: Restoration Specialist– INVASIVES STRIKE TEAM

LOCATION: Lost Mound Field Station/Mississippi Palisades State Park

TERM: 2 year term

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species
• Experience operating various types of equipment
• Experience performing physical work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Restoration Specialist is part of a team who will eradicate invasive, exotic plants from state parks and natural areas in Northwest Illinois. The area includes 6 counties (Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Ogle, Lee) in northwest Illinois. 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 the Weed Information Management System, which is a Microsoft Access-based relational database application that is designed to assist natural resource managers in invasive species management. Accurate and detailed data collection is a significant part of this effort.

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 prescribed burns
• Maintains tools and equipment
• Assists with reporting
• Assists with research and gathering of information on invasive species

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• High school diploma and 1-2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; chainsaw, two-way radio, ATV, 4-wheel drive vehicle, brushcutter, 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
• Ability to obtain herbicide license within 2 weeks of hire date,
• Ability to obtain proper fire certification including S130/190 and I100
• Valid driver’s license
• PC familiarity, including using a database to maintain preserve records, use of the internet, GPS experience
• Basic knowledge of GIS and using a PDA with ArcPad.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

• May resolve preserve management problems independently as delegated.
• Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex 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.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND 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 preserve 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.

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
• present frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.