Habitat Senior Assistant

Lewis and Clark Community College; East Alton (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Lewis & Clark Community College in East Alton, IL, invites applications for a Habitat Senior Project Assistant to support the Conservation Program Manager in overseeing habitat strike team staff and implementing ecological restoration tools. The role includes coordinating weekly priorities, guiding field activities, and mentoring part-time team members.

You will work with IDNR and landowners, oversee equipment, and help provide habitat management solutions across bottom-land forests along

Qualifications

• Associate or higher in Natural Resources or related field.
• Physically strenuous fieldwork in hot, humid summers and cold winters.
• Basic understanding of environmental science and natural resources.
• Ability to operate, maintain and transport farming equipment.
• Knowledge of wildlife, forestry, wetlands and grassland management.
• Prescribed fire and chemical applicator certifications within 45 days of hiring.

Responsibilities

• Assist and coordinate weekly priority work objectives with the Conservation Program Manager and partners.
• Coordinate day-to-day habitat management activities and ensure safe practices.
• Guide and mentor part-time HST members, including students and interns.
• Oversee, maintain and organize HST equipment and supplies.
• Engage in landowner outreach and one-on-one conservation consultations.
• Build relationships with IDNR staff and other stakeholders.
• Explain habitat management practices to landowners for habitat and wildlife goals.

Skills

Fieldwork

Team leadership

Communication

Driver's license

Wildlife ecology

Equipment operation

Education

Assoc degree+

Job description

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.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 ID background 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 general office work, walking over rough and uneven terrain with gear for extended periods of time.

Team Members can expect a competitive salary that is commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity, along with an excellent benefits package. The College’s standard hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (includes a one-hour unpaid lunch). Individual position schedules may vary or be adjusted by the department manager based on operational needs. Alternate schedules are observed during the summer.

Lewis & Clark Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, LCCC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. It is also the policy of the College to prohibit any form of harassment based on an individual’s protected status, such as gender, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or other protected group status as defined by law.