Prairie Conservation Steward

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

The Prairie Conservation Steward (hereafter Steward) is responsible for collaboratively implementing a Management, Stewardship, and Ecological Restoration plan for Gensburg-Markham Prairie (GMP) in accordance with the requirements for a Dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve and a National Natural Landmark. The position also supports research, educational, and outreach activities in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.

Work is carried out in close partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), including within its offices and facilities, with guidance and oversight from TNC, in alignment with the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the University and TNC, and within a joint operations and coordination framework. The Steward functions as part of a collaborative team with shared decision-making and coordinated implementation, while also exercising a high degree of independence and initiative in carrying out responsibilities. As part of this partnership, the Steward also contributes to and supports TNC-led stewardship and management activities across the broader Markham Shkode Prairies system and Chicago Wilderness, as appropriate.

The position requires occasional evening and weekend work to support community engagement, events, partner coordination, and time-sensitive management activities, and offers educational tuition waivers as well as opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Gensburg-Markham Prairie is a 110-acre tall-grass prairie remnant comanaged by Northeastern Illinois University and the Nature Conservancy. Saved from development by the University in the 1970s, the prairie is a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark. It includes large portions that have never been plowed, making it one of the highest-quality prairie sites in the Midwest, supporting rare plant and animal communities that aren’t found in more highly disturbed prairie restorations. This outdoor education laboratory provides student learning and environmental research opportunities.

Job Description:

Site Stewardship & Ecological Restoration

• Makes management decisions based upon accepted ecological principles; collects and distributes native plant seeds to accelerate the restoration of disturbed plant communities; and translocates and monitors imperiled plants and animals.

• Uses mowers, brushcutters, chainsaws, loppers, and backpack sprayers to cut, remove, and herbicide invasive plant species that have encroached upon the preserve and assists in planning and execution of prescribed burning.

• In accordance with the MOU between the University and TNC and other relevant agreements, the Steward helps with maintenance and care of equipment and shared facilities owned by TNC and used by the University.

• As needed, the Steward obtains permits and approvals from and reports to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC), Illinois Department of Natural Resources, EPA, and state and local authorities.

• The Steward applies for grants to do ecological stewardship, hires and supervises staff and interns, and recruits and oversees volunteers.

• With all of these stakeholders, and with other parties interested in the ecological restoration of the Markham Shkode Prairies, the Steward develops and maintains strong working relationships. 

Education and Outreach

• Provides on-site public lectures and trail guide service; participates in lectures and seminars sponsored by colleges, municipalities, civic groups, and professional organizations.

• Plans and directs public relations activities involving the local community, municipal and public utility representatives, educational and conservation organizations, as well as the print and electronic media.

• Works to increase engagement with the local community, including in coordination with TNC’s Community Engagement Specialist, organizing events.

• Throughout, maintains strong communication with municipalities, community groups, volunteers, and partner organizations.

• Actively develops partnerships with academic programs, faculty, and student groups to integrate the prairie into University coursework, research, internships, and co-curricular activities.

Site Maintenance

• Maintains an accessible trail system, repairs fences, removes trash, and builds and installs signs; stores, transports, and helps maintain university and partner-owned tractors, mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, fire-fighting equipment, and other tools and equipment.

• Provides on-site security to prevent vandalism, trash dumping, and other activities considered to be incompatible with the management of a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve.

• Activities are conducted in coordination with TNC and in alignment with shared management priorities. 

Research activities

• Obtains external funding to conduct conservation-related research, restoration, and educational activities at Gensburg-Markham Prairie or the Markham Shkode Prairies system, and hires and supervises interns, student employees, and staff to support said work.

• When external institutions or agencies wish to conduct research at GMP, reviews proposed plans, seeks input from the the Department of Biology, TNC, INPC, and other relevant parties, and provides oversight for approved projects.

• Collects and analyzes scientific data required for monitoring and management, including with plants of concern and imperiled animals, and supports curation of specimens. Submits annual reports to INPC, the Chair of the Department of Biology, and other parties, as required.             

Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Chair, including participation in strategic initiatives, interdepartmental and cross-campus collaborations, partner and community engagement, university or partner events, and student-focused activities.

Minimal Qualifications:

Minimum Acceptable Qualification

• High school diploma or equivalent. (Verification will be conducted by Human Resources).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, or at least 4 years experience in ecological land management and restoration activities with increasing levels of responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Prescribed burning experience or willingness to learn and obtain NWCG certifications.

• Skill in identifying Midwest US plant species or willingness to learn.

• Herbicide applicators license or willingness to obtain one.

• Experience safely operating a range of equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, UTVs/ATVs/OHVs, two-way radios, or similar). 

• Experience in media engagement and communicating effectively with the public and diverse stakeholders. 

• Familiarity with the application of social justice principles to environmental work.

• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience. 

Physical Requirements: Ability to qualify for required certifications (e.g. moderate pack test; carrying 24 lbs for 2 miles in under 30 minutes).

Work Schedule: Normal weekday hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. will occasionally be adjusted for time-sensitive management activities that may occur during early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Location: Gensburg-Markham Prairie in Markham, Illinois

Setting: Extensive outdoor work, in a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year, is required. This is an on-site position; work from home is not available.

This position requires a background check.

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Salary Range

$55,000 - $60,000

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Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.