Natural Areas member, under the supervision of the Natural Areas Manager, is a 1,700-hour service position responsible for: • Collecting and cleaning seed from native plant species. • Spraying and mixing herbicides (training and certification provided). • Cutting and removing non-native plants with hand tools, including clearing saws and chainsaws. • Assisting with prescribed burns (training provided). • Propagation and planting native plants, both in the field and in a greenhouse setting. • Creating and utilizing maps with GIS programs. • Designing and implementing public education programs relating to land management. Requirements • Must be 18 years (+) with valid driver’s license. • Ability to obtain an Illinois pesticide applicator certification within 30 days (paid for by BCCD). • Knowledge of native and invasive plant species. Physical Functions and Equipment Used Ability to: • Lift and carry, bend, and reach. • Go up and down stairs. • Lift and carry 50lbs. • Safely operate hand tools and landscaping tools such as: drills, chainsaws, clearing saws, walk-behind mowers, hedge trimmers, hand pruners, weed eaters, and shovels. • Safely operate multiple types of district vehicles including but not limited to tractors, trailers, UTVs, trucks, and mowers. • Use a computer, smart phone, copy machine, and other office equipment. Working Environmental Conditions: • Serve outside in all types of weather conditions. • Serve in conditions where there are biting and stinging insects. • Serve a flexible schedule that may vary from week to week or even daily. • Serves primarily weekdays, but may have occasional evenings or weekends. • Serve with proper personal protective equipment (provided). • Serve as part of a crew. HOUSING: Subsidized housing provided for $350/mo, all utilities except internet provided. $22,495 living stipend and $7,395 education award after successful completion of service.
Member Duties : The AmeriCorps member will serve with natural resource staff in a variety of land management activities. The service will take place outdoors in all weather conditions. Specific service activities will include: • Collecting and cleaning seed from native plant species. • Spraying and mixing herbicides for invasive plant species. • Cutting and removing non-native trees and shrubs with hand tools, including clearing saws and chainsaws. • Assisting with prescribed burns. • Propagation and planting native species, both in the field and in a greenhouse setting. • Creating and utilizing maps with GIS programs. • Designing and implementing programs relating to natural resources management for summer camp students and the public. • Operating hand tools, vehicles, and office equipment. • Other natural areas management and administrative duties as assigned. $22,495 stipend and $7,395 after successful completion of service.
Program Benefits : Childcare assistance if eligible , Living Allowance , Health Coverage , Training , Education award upon successful completion of service .
Terms :
Uniforms provided and required , Permits attendance at school during off hours , Car recommended , Permits working at another job during off hours .
Service Areas :
Environment .
Skills :
General Skills , Trade/Construction , Team Work , Environment .
AmeriCorps State / National
Natural Resource Management- Boone Co. Conservation District
Minimum: 18 Maximum: None
Program Locations
ILLINOIS
From 07/16/2026 To 10/31/2026
