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 Restoration Technician works as part of the Southern Illinois Interagency Habitat and Fuels Crew, assisting with non-native invasive species (NNIS) management on the Shawnee National Forest. As part of our team, you will perform chemical and mechanical treatments on invasive plants, along with associated inventory, monitoring, and data collection activities. Your work will help to protect and restore forests, grasslands, and wetlands across a large geographic area.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Safe handling, transportation, mixing, application, storage and clean-up of herbicides and application equipment.
• Operation and maintenance of backpack sprayers and high-volume pumps for herbicide application.
• May work in hot and humid conditions at remote locations with difficult and hazardous terrain.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• May require long hours in isolated settings; and early start times to avoid working during the hottest part of the day.
• May occasionally work without supervision.

This is a short-term, full-time (35 hours a week) position based in Carterville, Illinois running May 2024 through August 2024.

Are you a recent graduate or looking for a summer job while working towards your degree in forestry, conservation, environmental sciences, or a similar field? The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is looking for hard-working nature enthusiasts that are ready to make a difference in an ecologically diverse and unique landscape. As part of our team, you’ll learn from and network with seasoned professionals while gaining hands-on experience and skills in ecological restoration for the next step in your conservation career!

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience with plant identification.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, pesticide applicator).

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to follow instructions from supervisor, colleagues, and partners.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

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 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 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 employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is generally $18.00 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 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.

To apply for job ID 54938, 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 Conservancy's 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.