What We Can Achieve Together:

The Illinois Emiquon Summer Interpreter leads tours, acts as a docent at our visitor center, administers a visitor survey, and works to help visitors learn about and connect to the conservation work at Emiquon and TNC. The Summer Interpreter maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and may open and close preserve(s) to the visiting public.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Will interact with visitors; work with and interact with volunteer stewards.
• Works under close or infrequent supervision.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain to assist with stewardship duties, lead hikes on moderate trails, and assist visitors into and out of vehicles as needed.
• Most Saturdays and Sundays are required, but not necessarily the entire day; otherwise flexible 15-20 hours per week.

 This is a part-time (average 15-20 hours per week), short-term position starting May and ending in late summer. The position is located at Emiquon Preserve near Lewistown, IL and optional housing may be available.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is seeking a Summer Interpreter to engage with public visitors at Emiquon Preserve, an 8,000-acre restored wetland between Havana and Lewistown, IL. The Summer Interpreter will work with the director and administrator to lead hiking tours to discuss stewardship and nature and act as a docent in our visitor center on the weekends. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with staff, volunteers, and visitors as you learn about plants, animals, and natural area management at a dynamic restoration project. If you are a quick learner that enjoys being outside and interacting with people and nature, come join us today and help make a difference with the world’s leading conservation organization!

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
• Experience in customer service and communicating with various audiences.
• Experience using computers/tablets and common software apps.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

For short-term positions, TNC offers a benefits package that includes: personal and sick leave; paid holidays; 401(k) eligible; access to learning and development opportunities; employee discounts through partner programs; and other life and work wellbeing benefits.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is generally $16.00 per hour (subject to required tax withholding). This amount only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.  Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this amount will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.  Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.  Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.