The Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge is a 3,000+-acre mosaic of lakes, marsh, meadows, prairie, savanna, and woodlands. The former floodplain on the Illinois River was restored by the Wetlands Initiative beginning in 2001 to one of the highest quality natural areas in Illinois. The privately owned refuge is open to the public and is now a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, an Audubon Important Bird Area, an Illinois Natural Areas Inventory site, home to an Illinois State Nature Preserve (the Dore Seep Nature Preserve), and a mecca to birders, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the region. 

Job description: 

The Wetlands Initiative is hiring a restoration specialist to conduct year-round prairie, wetland, and savanna restoration. This is a full-time position with benefits that is based in Hennepin, IL. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in the ongoing restoration and management of a large, high-quality natural area. The normal work week is 40 hours, Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities of the successful candidate:

• Identify and manage invasive plant species through the application of herbicides.
• Identify and remove woody invasive species.
• Plant, maintain, and care for native trees and plugs.
• Collect, process, and plant native seeds.
• Assist with conducting prescribed burns.
• Assist with plant and animal surveys.
• Maintaining trails and public access areas.
• Perform other tasks related to landscape restoration and management.
• Operation and maintain vehicles and equipment.
• Assist with facility maintenance.
• Collect and record field management data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in one or more of the following fields: conservation biology, environmental science, natural resource management, botany, ecology, wildlife.
• Interest in Illinois native plants, including basic plant identification skills (knowledge of Illinois flora is preferred).
• Familiarity with Illinois wildlife, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates.
• Familiarity with or a desire to learn more about ecological restoration.
• Basic understanding of hydrology.
• Illinois Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within four weeks of employment.
• NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certification (S-130, S-190, ICS-100, L-180) or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
• Physically fit, with the ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (cold, heat, wet).
• Ability to use power tools (sprayers, brush cutters, power augers, chainsaws) following appropriate training.
• A strong interest in Illinois native habitats and their restoration.
• A friendly, team-oriented attitude with strong collaboration skills.

Compensation and benefits:

This is a position with full benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance coverage. Compensation is $43,680 per year.

EEO Statement:

The Wetlands Initiative is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or marital status. Increasing diversity of all kinds at the staff and board levels is an organizational priority.