Purpose of Position:

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is seeking two Junior Habitat Assistant to work utilizing common ecological restoration tools to establish and manage a suite of conservation practices. The primary purposes of these positions will be to work on private and public lands to implement the best restoration or management practice application for the particular site and utilize the necessary tools to successfully accomplish the conservation goal while preparing practitioners to think at landscape scale levels as it pertains to conservation application.  This position is part of a partnership between Illinois Department of Natural resources’ (IDNR) Heritage Division and Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) and Lewis and Clark Community College/National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) and other regional partners such as L&C’s Restoration Ecology Program. This part-time position (29 hrs/week) will last at least 6 months with a good opportunity for extension.

Key Measurable Expectations:

These assistants will be technical experts on all aspects of the conservation restoration and management, working to restore and improve conservation acres on the ground. Primary focuses will include providing on the ground conservation restoration or management for landowners enrolled in IRAP but will also include public IDNR sites.

This position will utilize conservation restoration and habitat management tools including but not limited to ATV/UTV, rear mount broadcast seeder, trailer and gas-powered sprayer, brush cutter, hand tools, chemical sprayers/applicators, chainsaw, and prescribed fire tools. The team, including the Junior assistant, will be responsible for maintaining and repairing of equipment and gear.

This position is one of several new positions of the private lands conservation hub developing at the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center. Additional professional development through field training, professional workshops, and online courses may be available for this position.

The Junior Habitat Assistant’s primary duty station will be at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center located in East Alton, IL. The Habitat Strike Team will generally work within approximately a 90-mile radius of East Alton, IL.

Work hours are 29 hours per week. The job will consist of mainly field work but some office work is included. Mandatory drug test and security background check, with fingerprinting, will be required of the selected applicant. NGRREC vehicles can be used for travel to sites or staff can get reimbursed for personal vehicle mileage at a 0.56 cent/mile rate.

Duties

• Implementing conservation practices, in a multitude of weather conditions and terrain, in order to restore habitat for wildlife and improve habitat with common management practices including burning, chemical application, and hand/mechanical treatment.
• Fostering working relationships with IDNR staff and other stakeholder groups
• Participating in the construction, fabrication, maintenance and repair of Strike Team equipment and supplies.
• Participating in scientific field studies and surveys as needed;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

The following are duties that are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Requires a minimum of a high school degree, and preferably a 2 yr. Associates degree or equivalent work experience in a natural resources field, such as, forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field. A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and transport (trailering and securing) farming equipment (tractor, planter, mower)
• Experience and knowledge of general farm equipment maintenance and repair
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies
• Ability to work independently with little supervision;
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, forestry, wetland and grassland management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat;
• Prescribed fire, S/130 and S/190, certificate is required within 45 days of hiring.
• Chemical Operator License is required within 45 days of hiring
• Requires working knowledge of wildlife management and forest management practices for habitat restoration.
• Requires effective communication skills.
• Requires the ability to work efficiently and effectively with others (i.e. IDNR, NGOs, landowners, etc.), as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload.
• Requires possession of valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements at all times.
• A background in agriculture and/or working knowledge of agriculture is desirable.
• Field work can be taxing. The Junior Habitat Assistant will need to be a strong hiker and comfortable working in adverse environmental conditions to gain access to sites and complete field work efficiently.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m.
Open Date: 09/21/2021
Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

FUNDED BY RESTRICTED PROGRAM FUNDS

Drivers License Required

EEO Statement:

Lewis & Clark Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, LCCC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. It is also the policy of the College to prohibit any form of harassment based on an individual’s protected status, such as gender, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or other protected group status as defined by law. If interested, please contact the Human Resource Department, Erickson Hall – Room 107.

Compliance:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Source: https://www1.eeoc.gov//laws/practices/inquiries_citizenship.cfm?renderforprint=1

Apply:

https://jobs.lc.edu/postings/1850