In northern Lake County, Indiana, The Nature Conservancy owns or helps manage more than 500 acres containing a mosaic of rich habitats, including globally rare dune and swale habitat. Restoration efforts are geared toward helping delist the Grand Calumet River as an Area of Concern by reinstating beneficial uses related to wildlife and wildlife habitat. This is a unique opportunity to work in an area that contains more than 30 percent of Indiana’s rare and endangered species. To learn more, visit our Southern Lake Michigan Rim Project website.
This is a maximum 6-month position with an approximate time frame of May 1 to October 31 with some flexibility on start and end dates.
The Grand Calumet River Restoration Crew Member participates in restoration efforts as a member of a Grand Calumet River Restoration Action Team. They will assist in maintaining preserve areas and riverine marshes. Work may include controlling exotic invasive species, maintaining tools and equipment, monitoring wildlife, conducting preserve maintenance, learning how to identify native and non-native species, and preparing sites for prescribed burns.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Works under close or infrequent supervision.
- Work schedules may need to be flexible with an approximate start time of 7:00 a.m., depending on weather conditions.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and wetlands, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain, and the ability to carry a 35-pound backpack sprayer.
- Will be exposed to hazards such as extreme heat, biting and stinging insects, ticks and poison ivy. Personal protective equipment/supplies will be provided, as necessary.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, brush-cutter, chainsaw, tractor, etc.).
- Must be able to obtain pesticide applicator’s license.
- Experience performing physical work.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Knowledge of Northwest Indiana plants/community types helpful but not required.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.