Location: Macomb, IL
Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions
Job Type: FT - Continuous
Posted On: Tue Feb 10 2026
Job Description:
RESPONSIBILITIES: Employees at this level conduct natural areas stewardship activities including, but not limited to, prescribed burning, firebreak creation and maintenance, seed collection and spreading, and herbaceous and woody invasive species control using chemical and mechanical means in conjunction with grant-funded resource management. Will need to work closely with IDNR partners facilitating resource management efforts through grant support. The coordinator is also responsible for directing the crew member and other workers in proper use and techniques related to listed duties including responsibilities below:
- Conduct and lead crew member(s) on natural areas stewardship projects on IDNR Natural Heritage sites.
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Proper application and use of herbicide on targeted invasive species
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Proper preparation and construction of fire breaks
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Participate as a crew member in conducting prescribed bums, mop up and assessments afterwards
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Proper operation of vehicles and use of management/prescribed equipment
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Equipment upkeep and maintenance
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Maintain records of management methods /techniques used, herbicide used, other commodities used (Chain oil fuel) acreage treated and total hours worked per site.
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Seed collection, storage and spreading
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Assist in preparing reports related to management outcomes of natural areas stewardship projects on IDNR Natural Heritage sites, assist with initiating and conducting both pre and post management vegetation surveys
WORK LOCATION: Alice Kibbe Field Station
APPOINTMENT: June 30, 2026 (Duration of position is 20 months)
MONTHLY WAGE: $3,452 - $3,813
This is a restricted position whose continuation beyond June 30, 2026 is contingent upon the renewal of funding support, which is reviewed annually.
Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans, (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.
Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.
Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.
For a full list of benefits as a WIU employee, please visit our Benefits Homepage: http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/human_resources/benefits/.
For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at [email protected] or by calling 309-298-1971.
Job Requirements:
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Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, field ecology, wildlife management, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
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A total of one (1) year (12 months) in resource management. (Note: Master's degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
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Valid Driver's license
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Experience and training with prescribed fire operations
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One (1) year of supervisory experience in resource management
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience driving 4WD trucks and UTV's
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Wildland Firefighter Type 2 and herbicide applicator certification
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First Aid/CPR Certification
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Experience using hand tools (council rake, hoe, axe) and 2 stroke powered equipment (chainsaw, weed eater, leaf blower)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Effective oral/written communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational and teamwork skills.
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Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in outdoor environments in changing weather conditions, often in remote uneven terrain, under minimal supervision.
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Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
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Proficiency in commonly employed software including Microsoft Office.
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Must possess or have ability to quickly acquire appropriate field skills as well as physical skills necessary to carry out work.
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Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other crew member, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Station staff.
For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). The degree must be conferred at the time of application.
Additional Information:
About WIU
Since 1899, Western Illinois University has provided outstanding educational opportunities to individuals in west central Illinois and well beyond our region and state. WIU's traditional residential campus in Macomb, Illinois, is the educational, cultural and athletic center of the region, while the WIU-Quad Cities non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois, is the only public university in the immediate Quad Cities region.
WIU-Macomb, IL: Western's traditional, residential main campus offers a comprehensive slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education, and post-baccalaureate certificates. A diverse community in west central Illinois, Macomb features a unique blend of agriculture, industry, service, retail, education, and culture. Macomb serves as the county seat, with connections across the state with Amtrak providing twice-daily service from Macomb to Chicago (and point in between). Macomb is located approximately 75 miles from the Quad Cities International Airport (Moline, IL) and 70 miles from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport (Peoria, IL).
WIU-Quad Cities: Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Moline, Illinois, the WIU-Quad Cities campus is the only public four-year regional university that serves the Quad Cities region. Designed as a metropolitan commuter campus, WIU-Quad Cities offers select undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Moline is located just 80 miles north of the Macomb campus and is centered within a diverse, bi-state community of 383,000 that offers a broad range of cultural, social, and entertainment amenities and experiences, as well as varied businesses and industries.
Academics
More than 61 undergraduate degree programs, 41 graduate programs, two doctoral programs and 16 post-baccalaureate certificate programs prepare students for a successful career after graduation.
Student Resources
More than 200 student organizations at Western provide social, academic, recreation, athletics, service, academic, and many other opportunities for students to grow and learn, develop leadership skills, and much more.
Numerous concerts, lectures, films, dance performances, cultural events and more are presented and performed each year, along with numerous major theatrical and dance productions and studio shows, and a variety of service-oriented projects and activities.
WIU Intercollegiate Athletics
The University's athletics program, based on the Macomb campus, sponsors 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate men's and women's varsity sports. All varsity sports compete at the Division I level through The Ohio Valley Conference.
