Illinois Invasive Species Coordinator

Carterville, Illinois, USA

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 Invasive Species Coordinator works as part of the Southern Illinois Interagency Habitat and Fuels Crew in collaboration with the Shawnee National Forest and other regional partners. This position is responsible for project coordination, planning, and monitoring, and leading crews in the implementation of chemical and mechanical treatments of non-native invasive species (NNIS) throughout the year. The Invasive Species Coordinator will supervise seasonal technicians, and maintain data, equipment, and supplies related to NNIS management.

Responsibilities &amp Scope:

• May monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• May supervise seasonal staff.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May assist with wildland fire (prescribed fire and wildfire suppression) and other stewardship activities when conditions are not conducive to NNIS management or as workload requires/allows.
• Some projects and activities may require long days (10+ hour shifts), working weekends, and extended out-of-state travel. Out-of-state assignments are optional and include prescribed fire assistance in the late spring, wildfire suppression activities in the summer, and training opportunities throughout various parts of the year.

This is a permanent, full-time (35 hours a week) position based in Carterville, Illinois.

What do you envision when you think about Illinois? Chicago? Vast expanses of agricultural lands? Forget those notions and picture rolling hills, towering bluffs, sprawling forests, swamps and wetlands, and rocky creeks with turquoise-coloured waters. This is southern Illinois. The Nature Conservancy is looking for an Invasive Species Coordinator to work with our dedicated team in protecting and restoring an ecologically diverse landscape with over 350,000 acres of public lands. You’ll work as part of a robust partnership with federal, state, and non-governmental organizations while gaining experience, skills, and knowledge for the next step in your next conservation career!

Minimum Qualifications:

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with the safe storage, handling, mixing, application, clean-up, and lawful disposal of herbicides.
• Experience identifying non-native invasive plants found in the Midwest and southern United States, and knowledge of methods and timing for effective treatment.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain required licenses and certifications (Pesticide Applicator, First Aid/CPR/AED).

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1-2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
• Ability to cultivate a safety conscious and goal-oriented team environment.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Working knowledge of common software and mobile applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers, Field Maps, Avenza).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

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!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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 drivers 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 employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is generally $21.00 per hour (subject to required tax withholding). This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidates 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 54937, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ . Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received, and the position will be closed once a strong candidate pool is identified.

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 Conservancys 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.