Natural Resource Management- Boone Co. Conservation District

AmeriCorps; Belvidere (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized housing

Living stipend

Education award

Health coverage

Childcare assistance

Job summary

AmeriCorps in Belvidere, IL seeks members for hands-on natural resources work, including seed collection, propagation, and habitat restoration. Training is provided for herbicide application and prescribed burns, with safety and certification support.

Members will propagate native species, map the project area using GIS, and participate in public education programs. A valid driver’s license and ability to obtain pesticide certification are required, with a flexible schedule for fieldwork.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old with a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain Illinois pesticide applicator certification within 30 days (paid for by BCCD).
• Knowledge of native and invasive plant species.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew.

Responsibilities

• Collect seed from native plant species and conduct cleaning.
• Apply herbicides with training provided.
• Cut and remove non-native trees and shrubs with hand tools (including chainsaws).
• Assist with prescribed burns (training provided).
• Propagate and plant native species in field and greenhouse settings.
• Create and use maps with GIS programs.

Skills

Driver's license

Native/invasive species knowledge

Effective written/verbal communication

Independent and team work

Education

Illinois pesticide applicator certification (within 30 days)

Tools

GIS maps

GIS software

Job description

Responsibilities

• Collecting and cleaning seed from native plant species.
• Spraying and mixing herbicides (training and certification provided).
• Cutting and removing non‑native trees and shrubs with hand tools, including clearing saws and chainsaws.
• Assisting with prescribed burns (training provided).
• Propagation and planting native species in the field and in a greenhouse setting.
• Creating and utilizing maps with GIS programs.
• Designing and implementing public or summer‑camp natural‑resources education programs.
• Operating hand tools, district vehicles, and office equipment.
• Other natural‑areas management and administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois pesticide applicator certification within 30 days (paid for by BCCD).
• Knowledge of native and invasive plant species.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew.

Physical Requirements

• Lift, carry, bend, and reach.
• Go up and down stairs.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Operate hand tools and landscaping equipment (drills, chainsaws, clearing saws, walk‑behind mowers, hedge trimmers, hand pruners, weed eaters, shovels).
• Operate district vehicles, including tractors, trailers, UTVs, trucks, and mowers.
• Use computers, smartphones, copiers, and other office equipment.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Handle biting and stinging insects.
• Maintain a flexible schedule that may vary weekly or daily, including occasional evenings or weekends.
• Use personal protective equipment as required.

Benefits

Subsidized housing at $350 per month (utilities, except internet, are provided). Living stipend of $22,495 and education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of service. Health coverage and childcare assistance if eligible.