Habitat Senior Assistant

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) seeks a Habitat Senior Project Assistant to support the Conservation Program Manager in overseeing habitat strike team (HST) part-time and student worker/intern staff and implementing ecological restoration tools to establish and manage diverse conservation practices. Additionally, the HST assist assists with forest inventory data collection in the bottom-land forests of the Mississippi River flood plain.

The Habitat Senior Assistant also assists with direct day-to-day coordination with partners and staff.

• Assist and coordinate with the Conservation Program Manager working with partners and NGRREC staff to develop weekly priority work objectives.
• Coordinate, guide, and assist with the day-to-day habitat management activities and other duties of the Habitat Strike Team ensuring safety and standard practices are being utilized by all team members.
• Guide, training and mentor part time and less experienced HST members, which may include student workers and interns.
• Assist in overseeing, maintaining, and organizing all HST equipment and supplies to ensure functionality/safety.
• Actively targeting conservation restoration and management with landowner outreach and one-on-one consultation.
• Coordinating and establishing working relationships with IDNR staff and other stakeholder groups.
• Understanding and providing information to landowners about the suite conservation management practices available for habitat and wildlife goals.

• Associate’s degree or higher, or equivalent experience in a Natural Resources field with a concentration in forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Field work may be physically strenuous. The Habitat Senior Assistant will need to be a strong hiker and comfortable working in adverse environmental conditions (e.g., buggy hot/humid summers and cold winter temperatures) for prolong period to gain access to sites and complete field work efficiently.
• 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.
• 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 Applicators License is required within 45 days of hiring.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of wildlife management and forest/grassland management practices for habitat restoration.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with others (i.e. IDNR, NGOs, landowners, colleagues, etc.), as well as independently, and be able to prioritize a heavy and varied workload.
• Possession of valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements at all times.

• Illinois prescribed fire certified.
• Experience training and teaching others.
• Participated in >30 prescribed fires.
• Has conducted timber stand improvement (TSI) work.
• Proficient in chainsaw maintenance.
• Proficient in small engine repair and diagnostics.
• Strong plant  especially common midwestern invasive species and an understanding of their best management strategies.
• Strong field navigational skills.
• Bending, Stooping, Lifting - 50 lbs., Working and hiking outside in uncomfortable weather/buggy conditions, using a backpack sprayer, assisting with prescribed fires, operating UTVs and chainsaws and…