Position Summary:

The Lake County Parks and Recreation Department Little Calumet River Seasonal Stewardship Technician role will report to Lake Etta County Park and work in wetland restoration areas along the west branch of the Little Calumet River in Hammond, Munster, Highland, Griffith, Gary, and Lake Station. The work consists primarily of the selective chemical or mechanical control of invasive plant species which threaten the native habitats. The stewardship technicians work with other Lake County Park employees as well as staff from a variety of partner organizations under the Little Calumet River Conservation Collaborative. Stewardship technicians are expected to interact respectfully with their coworkers as well as park visitors in a team environment.

Position Title: Little Calumet River Seasonal Stewardship Technician
Park Locations: Lake Etta County Park 
Division: Planning and Natural Resources 
Supervisor: Little Calumet Field Supervisor 
Classification: Non-Exempt 
Pay: $18/hour 

Essential Functions:

Maintaining and preserving natural areas, including controlling exotic invasive species. Trash pick-up. Maintains tools and equipment, helps monitor wildlife, and learns how to identify native and non-native species. 

Responsibilities and Scope: 

• Work under close supervision by the Little Calumet River Crew Leader.

• Must be able and willing to learn basic invasive plant identification.

• Work start and end times may need to be flexible with a start time of 7:00 a.m., depending on weather conditions.

• Ability to work in variable and inclement weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and wetlands, and under physically demanding circumstances. 

• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain and the ability to carry a 35-pound backpack sprayer for extended time.

• Will be exposed to hazards such as extreme heat & cold, snow, ice, biting and stinging insects, ticks and poison ivy. Personal protective equipment/supplies will be provided, as necessary. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma

• At least one year of related field experience.

• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. backpack sprayers, brush cutter, chainsaws, loppers, handsaws etc.). 

• Valid driver’s license. 

• Herbicide applicator’s license. 

• Experience performing physical work.

 How to Apply:

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Emily Glover at emily.glover@tnc.org. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive and until positions are filled.