The Natural Areas Internship is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in ecological management. Candidates with experience or interest in natural resources, or already attending college in programs related to natural resources, are encouraged to apply.
Interns will interact with the variety of private and governmental agencies and
professionals that work together to facilitate land management on these sites,
most of which are enrolled as Land & Water Reserves or Nature Preserves.
Position Dates: May–August positions available, start dates may vary (alternating weekends/ holidays required)
Location: Duties may occur at Grand Prairie Friends locations throughout eastcentral Illinois. Primary location will be the 1,100-Acre Warbler Ridge Conservation Area in Coles County, located five miles south of Charleston (IL).
OBJECTIVES
- Identify, monitor and manage invasive plant species using
mechanical and chemical control methods; this can include use of
prescribed burning, bladed trimmers, hand loppers, and backpack
herbicide applications (training/ certification provided) - Assist natural areas staff in executing projects
- Assist with trail maintenance and grounds
- Assist with ecological monitoring projects
- Assist, greet and engage visitors/ outreach
- Attend professional development seminar(s)
- Interact with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission System
- Shadow a variety of professional stewards, biologists and restoration specialists
QUALIFICATIONS
- High School diploma or GED; Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation
- Ability/ willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, holidays, events
- Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and the ability to manage time and effectively
function without close supervision - Ability/ willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Pesticide Applicator License (coursework/ testing provided by Grand Prairie Friends)
- Ability/ willingness to learn to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand
tools, power tools, vehicles and small and large engine equipment including the use of chain saws,
brush chipper, and vehicles - Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties
- Ability to successfully pass drug test and background check
- Knowledge of Illinois plants and wildlife and/or coursework in Natural Resources; intention to
pursue a career in natural resources (preferred but not required)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires strenuous physical work; Frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, lifting,
pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds
APPLICATION
- Submit Resume and Cover Letter to Alissa@grandprairiefriends.org
Questions regarding duties of position, contact Jeff Peyton at Jeff@grandprairiefriends.org
COMPENSATION
Starting pay $14.00, based on experience
- Grand Prairie Friends will work with all College/ University academic requirements. Academic n
internships must accompany intern-led project
APPLY ASAP- APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL FILLED
ABOUT GRAND PRAIRIE FRIENDS
01.2024
APPLICATION
ABOUT GRAND PRARIE FREINDS
Grand Prairie Friends serves as a private, not-for-profit, conservation land trust whose
mission is to preserve and restore natural communities in east-central Illinois and promote
an understanding and appreciation of natural resources. Grand Prairie Friends owns and
manages over 1,200 acres of remnant and restored tallgrass prairie, woodland and wetlands
in Champaign, Coles, Iroquois, Shelby and Vermilion counties.
Website: www.GrandPrairieFriends.org
