Park Ranger Intern (PO-00733821)

The Park Ranger Intern will assist with all programs managed from the USACE Illinois Waterway Project Office in Peoria, IL.  This is primarily an outdoors position during all seasons.

The majority of work is at the Farmdale Reservoir in East Peoria.  Farmdale is a dry reservoir that includes lower slopes along creeks, bottom flood plains and steep, rugged bluffs.  There are some flat fields atop the bluff.  Elevations range from approximately 580 feet NGVP at the creek to 705 feet NGVP on the upper fields.  Wetlands associated with a stream corridor are present.  Hill seeps are numerous.  Several intermittent and ephemeral streams are also present.  The reservoir hillsides are forested while most open areas are tall grass prairies.  There are fifteen miles of multipurpose trails used by mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners and equestrian users.
Farmdale natural resource management objectives include:

  • Maintain a diversity of productive native wildlife habitat for both game and non-game species through management of forest and other vegetative types.
  • Preservation habitat necessary for endangered species when they are recognized.
  • Increase habitat for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators.
  • Implement natural resource management in a safe manner to protect the using public.
  • Increase and maintain healthy and productive acreage in stands of bottomland and upland timber.

The Park Ranger Assistant will also help with the management of the Illinois Waterway Project.  The Illinois Waterway is a heavy use commercial waterway.
Management programs will include, but are not limited to interpretation, recreation management, natural resource management, dam and levee safety and administration. Each day will generally start at the Illinois Waterway Project Office. However, reporting stations may change with different work assignments. Working hours are very flexible and can range from a few hours each day or up to 12 hours a day, not exceeding 80 hours per pay period.

Major duties:

  • Prairie improvement and restoration
  • Invasive species control
  • Interpretive programs
  • Water safety patrol and education
  • Boundary line inspection
  • Roadway maintenance
  • Dam maintenance
  • Computer work, including GIS

Desired Education and Skills:

US Citizenship required.  Valid Driver’s license required. 

Education:

Biology Some Coursework or experience
Forestry Some Coursework or experience
Resource Management Some Coursework or experience

Skills:

Chain Saw Skills Some Experience
GIS Some Experience
Public Speaking Some Experience
Social Media Some Experience
Trail Maintenance Some Experience
We will provide on the job and/or formal training for safe operation of tractor, ATV, UTV, chainsaw, motorboat, skid steer mini excavator and other equipment as needed.  CPR/First Aid and AED training required and will be provided if not already certified. 

Compensation amounts (pre-tax):
– $240 weekly Living Allowance
– $30 weekly Commuting Allowance
– $800 monthly Housing Allowance (9 installments)
– $650 To/From site travel expense reimbursement*
– AmeriCorps Education Award: $4,546 (based upon successful completion of this position).

*Internship positions with the US Army Corps of Engineers will receive a To/From Site travel reimbursement that reflects the actual roundtrip travel costs from their 'home' to the site.  The reimbursement amount is based upon total distance (mileage) travelled and current federal per diem rates. Interns are required to submit an expense report to SCA with documented round-trip travel costs for reimbursement. The requested reimbursement amount is capped at $650.

It is SCA’s policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position’s start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position’s start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.

For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.

SCA1957

Position ID: PO-00733821

Expected Dates: October 3, 2022 - June 25, 2023

Location:
257 Grant Street
Peoria, IL 61603
US

Training Provided: We will provide on the job and/or formal training for safe operation of tractor, ATV, UTV, chainsaw, motorboat, skid steer mini excavator and other equipment as needed.  CPR/First Aid and AED training required and will be provided if not already certified

Educational/Recreational Opportunities: On-site hiking and mountain biking, bird watching. Several local State Parks and county areas with nature centers. Bradley University and Illinois Central College nearby.

Handicap Accessible?: No

Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt

Further Details

AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible

Driving Logistics: Recommended

Work hours can vary, not sure if public transportation would be available.

Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.

Indoor/Outdoor: Outside

US Citizenship: Yes

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