Strike Team Coordinator; Program Coordinator

Category:
Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions

Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 6,300 students at its traditional residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan non‑residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Employees at this level conduct natural areas stewardship activities including, but not limited to, prescribed burning, firebreak creation and maintenance, seed collection and spreading, and herbaceous and woody invasive species control using chemical and mechanical means in conjunction with grant‑funded resource management. Will need to work closely with IDNR partners facilitating resource management efforts through grant support. The coordinator is also responsible for directing the crew member and other workers in proper use and techniques related to listed duties including responsibilities below:

• Conduct and lead crew member(s) on natural areas stewardship projects on IDNR Natural Heritage sites.
• Proper application and use of herbicide on targeted invasive species
• Proper preparation and construction of fire breaks
• Participate as a crew member in conducting prescribed burns, mop up and assessments afterwards
• Proper operation of vehicles and use of management/prescribed equipment
• Equipment upkeep and maintenance
• Maintain records of management methods/techniques used, herbicide used, other commodities used (chain oil fuel) acreage treated and total hours worked per site.
• Seed collection, storage and spreading
• Assist in preparing reports related to management outcomes of natural areas stewardship projects on IDNR Natural Heritage sites, assist with initiating and conducting both pre and post‑management vegetation surveys

WORK LOCATION:

Alice Kibbe Field Station

APPOINTMENT:
April 1, 2026 (Duration of position is 20 months)

MONTHLY WAGE: $3,452- $3,813

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include:
Health Insurance plans (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long‑Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR‑Benefits or by calling .

• Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, field ecology, wildlife management, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• A total of one (1) year (12 months) in resource management. (
  
  Note:
  
  Master's degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
• Valid Driver's license
• Experience and training with prescribed fire operations
• One (1) year of supervisory experience in resource management

• Experience driving 4WD trucks and UTV's
• Wildland Firefighter Type 2 and herbicide applicator certification
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Experience using hand tools (council rake, hoe, axe) and 2 stroke powered equipment (chainsaw, weed eater, leaf blower)

• Effective oral/written communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in outdoor environments in changing weather conditions, often in remote uneven terrain, under minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in commonly employed software including Microsoft Office.
• Must possess or have…