Illinois Emiquon Summer Interpreter

Lewistown, Illinois, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Illinois Emiquon Summer Interpreter leads tours, acts as a docent at our visitor center, administers a visitor survey, and works to help visitors learn about and connect to the conservation work at Emiquon and TNC. The Summer Interpreter maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and may open and close preserve(s) to the visiting public.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Will interact with visitors; work with and interact with volunteer stewards.
• Works under close or infrequent supervision.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain to assist with stewardship duties, lead hikes on moderate trails, and assist visitors into and out of vehicles as needed.
• Most Saturday’s and Sunday’s are required, but not necessarily the entire day; otherwise flexible 15-20 hours per week.

This is a part-time (average 15-20 hours per week), short-term position starting early June and ending in September. The position is located at Emiquon Preserve near Lewistown, IL and optional housing may be available.

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois is seeking a Summer Interpreter to engage with public visitors at Emiquon Preserve, a 5,000-acre restored wetland between Havana and Lewistown, IL. The Summer Interpreter will work with the director and administrator to lead hiking tours to discuss stewardship and nature and act as a docent in our visitor center on the weekends. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with staff, volunteers, and visitors as you learn about plants, animals, and natural area management at a dynamic restoration project. If you are a quick learner that enjoys being outside and interacting with people and nature, come join us today and help make a difference with the world’s leading conservation organization!

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.
• Experience operating various equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. pickup truck, mowers, weedeaters, & UTV’s).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR).
• Experience in customer service and communicating with various audiences.
• Experience using computers/tablets and common software apps.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Ability to work and live in a team environment.
• Have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation around the world!

For short-term positions, TNC offers a benefits package that includes: personal and sick leave; paid holidays; 401(k) eligible; access to learning and development opportunities; employee discounts through partner programs; and other life and work wellbeing benefits.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is generally $16.00 per hour (subject to required tax withholding). This rate only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55069, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received, and the position will be closed once a strong candidate pool is identified.

Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.