Nachusa Assistant Crew Leader

What We Can Achieve Together

The 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).

• Help the Nachusa Crew Lead plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
• Co‑lead seasonal crew.
• Help manage Field Maps and ArcGIS online mapping.
• Work and interact with volunteer stewards and occasionally visitors.
• Work 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 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).

• Course work in ecology or experience with natural areas restoration.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Multi‑lingual skills and multi‑cultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated.

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 Auto Safety information page 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 per 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.

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