Nachusa Assistant Crew Leader

and the job listing Expires on February 26, 2026

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures.

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Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job.

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Nachusa Assistant Crew Leader will work with our Crew Leader and Restoration Technicians to manage and restore tallgrass prairie at Nachusa Grasslands. The work includes invasive weed management using backpack herbicide sprayers and hand spades, hand‑harvesting native seeds, and assisting with native plantings. The Assistant Crew Leader will support the Crew Leader and co‑lead the Restoration Technicians. The Assistant Crew Leader will also assist with outreach events for visitors and volunteers, maintain public preserve areas, and repair and maintain tools and equipment.

This is a full‑time (35–40 hours/week), short‑term position starting early May and ending early August, with possible extension through fall. The position is located at the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve near Dixon, IL, and includes nice, clean on‑site housing (one technician per room, high‑speed internet available at Headquarters, no pets).

• Supervises no staff, but will help the Nachusa Crew Lead plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
• Co‑leads seasonal crew.
• Helps manage Field Maps and ArcGIS online mapping.
• Works and interacts with volunteer stewards and occasionally visitors.
• 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 and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain (e.g. hauling herbicide pack, walking miles off trail, etc.)

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is seeking an Assistant Crew Leader to help manage and restore tallgrass prairie at the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve. This 4,000-acre preserve, near Dixon, IL, is home to more than 700 native plant species, 180 species of birds, and a herd of bison! The Assistant Crew Leader will support the Crew Leader and help co‑lead a team of Restoration Technicians to restore agricultural lands back to high diversity prairie, wetlands, and savanna.

The position affords the opportunity to engage in interesting, educational, and challenging outside work at a dynamic restoration project, yielding a strong foundation in natural areas management.

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• 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. pesticide license, moderate pack walk test of 24 pounds for two miles under 30 minutes, First Aid, CPR).