Restoration Technician, Kankakee Sands Illinois

Kankakee, Illinois, USA

Near Kankakee, IL

Kankaee Sands Office in Morocco, IN

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Kankakee Sands Restoration Technician will perform as part of our burn crew to implement prescribed fire; transplant native plants; harvest, clean, and process seed; and control invasive species using brush cutters, chainsaws, and herbicide applied from UTV’s and backpack sprayers and learn how to use GPS and GIS to map applications. They assist with preserve management including upkeep of trails, fencing, signs, and bison viewing area; and participate in events, interact with visitors, and work with volunteers.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• May interact with visitors and volunteers.
• 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, under physically demanding circumstances, requiring considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• Irregular work hours and long days, particularly during spring and fall fire season.

This is a short-term, full-time (35 hours), field position based at our Kankakee Sands preserve in Illinois and Indiana, with a Field Office in Morocco, Indiana, lasting approximately 6 months starting around May 2025. There are multiple positions available.

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is looking for a Kankakee Sands Restoration Technician to work with our dedicated team in protecting what is becoming a destination spot for visitors in Indiana. Started over 25 years ago, the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands has grown to over 8000 acres of prairie, wetland, and savanna habitat. It’s among the largest grassland restorations in the US, part of a larger bi-state conservation area that exceeds 25,000 acres, and home to a bison herd that contribute to the function of the prairie ecosystem. You’ll assist our staff in maintaining this beautiful landscape and gain some valuable experience while building your skills and knowledge for the next steps in your conservation career!

• 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. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Meets, or willing and able to obtain, minimum TNC NWCG training for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including the physical fitness requirements at the arduous level.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

For short-term positions, TNC offers a benefits package that includes: personal and sick leave; paid holidays; 401(k) eligible; access to learning and development opportunities; employee discounts through partner programs; and other life and work wellbeing benefits.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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 $17.00 an 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 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.

To apply for job ID 56150, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.