Field Leader – Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Crew

The Field Leader position at the Student Conservation Association involves supporting native seed production and ecological restoration at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, IL. Responsibilities include maintaining seed production beds, learning native plant identification, and assisting with natural resource management. The role requires physical labor and training in restoration techniques, with a focus on developing practical skills for ecosystem recovery. The position runs from May to November 2026.
Position Summary

This project supports native seed production and ecological restoration at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Crew members will help maintain seed production beds through planting, weeding, mulching, seed collection, and nursery care while learning native plant identification and restoration techniques. Participants will be trained to use restoration equipment and assist with related natural resource work such as vegetation management and wildlife monitoring. The overall goal is to build practical restoration skills while contributing to the long-term health and recovery of prairie ecosystems.

Location

Wilmington, IL

Schedule

May 4, 2026 – November 6, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting Horticulturist and Biological Science Technicians maintain and improve seed production beds through various methods including seedbed preparation (herbicide application/mowing), planting native plant plugs, weeding seed beds and applying mulch.

• Assisting with regular and seasonal responsibilities of the Horticultural program including maintaining nursery plant stock; collecting, cleaning, and storing native seed.

• Learning native plant identification; being trained in restoration techniques and standard procedures to operate restoration equipment such as tablets for field work, planting augers, mowers, weed trimmer, etc.

• Assisting with additional natural resource specialty areas such as botany/vegetation management, hydrology, recreation, and wildlife surveys and monitoring.

• Assist Midewin Restoration staff through positively interacting and working with volunteers and student crews at restoration workdays.

• Must undergo training to operate UTVs, pull trailers/equipment, and drive government vehicles; will need to complete and successfully pass background checks to obtain computer access (for crew leader and potential for members).

Marginal Duties

• Act as a Crew Supervisor, by facilitating teamwork, managing field-based tasks, guiding crew dynamics, checking in with Program Supervisors, and helping developing the crew work schedule

• Serve as an Advisor, by training members in technical conservation work skills, mentoring personal and professional development, and teaching environmental stewardship

• Act as a Project Manager, by communicating with Midewin staff ensuring successful and timely completion of work projects, and upholding a positive representation of SCA

• Perform tasks as a Program Administrator, by organizing logistics, completing documentation, managing, a budget, and making sure work hours are being submitted on time

Required Qualifications

Obtaining a Commercial Not-for-Hire Operator’s license to apply herbicide to non-native invasive species through the Illinois Department of Agriculture by successfully passing a competency exam. Crew Leader will need to obtain Illinois Herbicide Applicator’s License through the Illinois Department of Agriculture by passing two competency exams.

• Experience with conservation work skills or related skills preferred – i.e., trail maintenance, trail construction, habitat restoration, chainsaw, carpentry, landscaping, and gardening

• Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 8 hours per day, exposed to the elements, and must occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds or more

• Experience driving a Cab Truck with a trailer hitch + trailer

• Must be able to attend Crew Leader training: TBD April 2026

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age

• Authorization to work in the US

• Must have a valid driver’s license for 3+ years and MVR that meets SCA standards

• CPR certification & Wilderness First Aid or approved 16-hour First Aid course equivalent required. *Certification opportunities provided by SCA at leader training

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications
• Botany or horticulture educational coursework or experience; some knowledge of Illinois native and non-native plants desired; experience applying herbicide to non-native invasive species and prior work in natural resources, plant nursery or gardening desirable
• Experience working with youth or young adults, teaching, or environmental education a plus

Hours

40 per week

Compensation

$920/weekly

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Interpretive Skills

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.