Conservation Steward

The Conservation Steward at Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon, IL, works 30 hours weekly from May to August, focusing on land management, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance. Responsibilities include invasive species removal, planting, and general maintenance of outdoor areas. The role may involve evening and weekend work and is suitable for those pursuing a degree in related fields. The position offers a salary of $15-$16 per hour with training opportunities.
SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Conservation Steward works an average of 30 hours per week May - August and is responsible for land management practices, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance for the Douglas-Hart Foundation. Typical day-to-day operations include removing invasive species, planting natives, trail maintenance, maintaining landscaping, and similar. Duties will be conducted primarily at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center, but also at Friendship Garden and The Whiteside Garden. While this is a seasonal position, it may also qualify for a college internship program. Schedule and work is weather dependent, some evenings and weekends may be required.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIMARY DUTIES
• Assist with the restoration and management of natural areas day-to-day needs including invasive species removal, planting, habitat surveys, timber stand improvement, and similar
• Garden and landscape in designated areas (watering, planting, mulching, weeding and similar)
• Ensure that the landscapes, buildings, amenities, trails, garden, and outdoor areas are clean and maintained
• Assist with grounds and maintenance activities, including basic facility maintenance, amenity upkeep, cleanliness, litter, mowing, brush cutting and similar
• Assist with daily operations, including but not limited to clerical and correspondence duties, opening and closing facilities, and other relevant business tasks in a timely and professional manner
• Assist with large events, programs, and interpretive services in cooperation with other staff
• Assist with other daily operations of the Foundation, including the library, gift shop, amenities, etc as needed
• Assist with general housekeeping and maintenance of visitor center, facilities, grounds, and gardens as needed
• Keep supplies, tools, resources, vehicles, and buildings, organized and maintained
• Perform other conservation and natural areas duties as assigned by the Land Stewardship Director

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Basic knowledge of flora and fauna of Illinois (or willing to learn)
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and take initiative
• Ability to communicate, interact, and respect diverse audiences and perspectives and interpret conservation efforts to create meaningful guest experiences
• Ability to delegate, manage, and work effectively with a diverse team of volunteers
• Be able to walk over rough terrain without trails, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, bend, stoop, carry, and work continuously for long periods of time in all types of weather conditions, and be outside for the majority of the workday
• Be able to operate (or learn to operate) a pickup truck, all terrain vehicle, tractor, brush cutter, leaf blower, chainsaw, and various hand tools
• Ability to conduct tasks that may result in exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, and similiar
• Represent the Douglas-Hart Foundation in a professional manner

QUALIFICATIONS
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• General experience in land management, conservation efforts, or similar OR
• In pursuit of a degree or a degree in ecology, forestry, natural resources, conservation biology, environmental science, or related field, or similar

SALARY AND BENEFITS
• $15-$16 per hour, plus paid training and certifications
• Certifications/Trainings offered: Pesticide Operator Training/License, Prescribed Burn Training (S130/S190) Certification, and Chainsaw Operation/Safety Training

APPLICATION INFORMATION
• Email resume to dhfoundation@dhnature.org

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

The Douglas-Hart Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business needs and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, family, national origin, military service, or citizenship.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:
• Paid time off

Ability to Relocate:
• Mattoon, IL 61938: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person