The Indian Boundary Prairies Summer Youth Program Assistant will be based at the Conservancy’s Indian Boundary Prairies, which is located in Markham, IL. The IBP Summer Youth Program Assistant reports to and assists the IBP Community Outreach Coordinator in developing and implementing a summer youth program designed to provide a holistic environmental/stewardship experience that will serve to form and/or enhance a connection to people and the natural world. The IBP Summer Youth Program Assistant will oversee 4-6 youth ages 14-18 for the seven week long (twenty-one day) program. This is an hourly, seasonal role that will run from April 1, 2019 to August 2, 2019. The IBP Summer Youth Program Assistant may, on a limited basis perform and participate in preserve operations. This is an hourly, seasonal role that involves three 8-hour days per week or 24 hours a week in total. The position will begin before the start of the youth program itself to allow for engagement planning, hiring and program evaluation.
The Indian Boundary Prairies Summer Youth Program Assistant will assist the Community Outreach Coordinator with Youth Program planning, curriculum development, recruitment, and hiring of youth interns. The Youth Program Assistant will oversee the youth program which will consist of on-site education, stewardship activities in the Indian Boundary Prairies, environmentally focused outings/trips, and recreational activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Will assist in planning, development and implementation of the IBP Youth Program.
- Will assist in the hiring of youth interns.
- Will lead and monitor youth interns.
- Will be responsible for the daily management and implementation of the youth program and interns to ensure participation, safety and compliance with the program and mandates of The Nature Conservancy.
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to plan daily activities and environmentally focused outings/trips and recreational activities.
- May network with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to educate and encourage support for the interns, their communities the Indian Boundary Prairies and The Nature Conservancy programs/preserves.
- Troubleshoot and make sound independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May be outdoors in variable weather conditions under moderately physically demanding circumstances.
- 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 or more years related experience in an environmental or social field and a general appreciation for nature.
- Some experience managing interns, volunteers, or entry level staff.
- Ability to function as a team member and complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), record keeping and other necessary administrative responsibilities.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
The wage for the position will be $22.86 per hour.