Restoration Specialists

~ The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF), a land trust in Jo Daviess County, IL, was founded in 1993 by a small group of local individuals who wanted to somehow maintain the open space of a piece of property near Galena that had recently been put up for sale. ~

The group’s purpose was to permanently protect what many deemed ‘the Gateway to Galena’ from development, ensuring that the pristine view of the City from Hwy 20 along Horseshoe Mound would be preserved for future generations to enjoy.  That goal recently became a reality when JDCF finally purchased the 100 acres known as Galena Gateway Park in 2010.  During the almost 18 year struggle to reach this goal, the Foundation grew from a group of volunteers meeting in one another’s basements to an organization with an office and full-time staff that is dedicated to land conservation in all of Jo Daviess County.

Today, JDCF works to preserve land for the lasting well-being of people and wildlife.

We accomplish this mission by:

• Educating people about land stewardship and resource conservation.
• Permanently protecting land from inappropriate development.
• Working with willing landowners through conservation registries, easements, and land donations.
• Supporting recreation that promotes appreciation of our natural resources.
• Partnering with other like-minded organizations.

Position Overview

The Northwest Illinois Land Stewardship Co-op (“NISC”) is seeking two full time Restoration Specialists. These positions will form the Invasive Species Strike Team, which is responsible for the management and eradication of invasive species on sites owned or managed by members of the NISC. NISC is a collaboration of 9 public and private organizations in northwest Illinois that works to address pressing and urgent natural areas management concerns across jurisdictional boundaries and service regions.

The Strike Team will be based in Stockton, Illinois or Freeport, Illinois and will work on some of NISC’s conservation areas located in Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, Stephenson, and/or Winnebago Counties, Illinois. Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (“JDCF”) is serving as the fiscal agent for the Invasive Species Strike Team project and the Restoration Specialists will be employed by JDCF. A full job description can be found here.

Responsibilities

• The Restoration Specialists will implement invasive and exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest management strategies, including mechanical, chemical, and prescribed burning methods.
• The Restoration Specialists will also be responsible for designing and leading various educational and outreach activities aimed towards the general public across the northwest Illinois region as opportunities arise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field.
• One or more years training in natural resource management or work in natural resource-related field.
• Ability to identify invasive and non-native herbaceous and woody plant species.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including chainsaws, herbicide applicators, tractors, trucks, trailers, and ATVs.
• Ability to lead educational and outreach activities geared toward the general public as needs arise.
• Ability to perform arduous physical work in difficult terrain.

~ The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~