Position Overview

Under direction, performs semi-skilled work and travels between Region 1 sites in the maintenance and operation of Prophetstown State Park, Morrison Rockwood State Park, Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area, Coleta Trout Ponds, Fulton Thompson Sand Prairie, Mill Road Marsh and Great River Trail; maintains tree removal throughout the Region 1 parks; monitors and repairs site equipment and facilities.

Job Responsibilities

1. Performs semi-skilled work and travels in the maintenance and operation of Morrison Rockwood State Park, Prophetstown State Park, Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area, Coleta Trout Ponds, Fulton Thompson Sand Prairie, Mill Road Marsh and Great River Trail

• For site construction and other projects uses manual or automated yard equipment such as tractors, batwing mowers, front end loaders, dump trucks, snowplows, bulldozers, backhoes, road graders, farming machinery
• Mows grass and prepares areas for grass seeding
• Repairs erosion problems along the roadways and trails

2. Maintains tree removal throughout the Region 1 parks

• Utilizes chainsaws and power pruners to remove and trim trees and ornamental shrubbery
• Operates a mechanical log splitter to provide firewood
• Clears fire lines by upkeeping with agricultural operations
• Removes unwanted vegetation using a posi-track, small dozer, or other equipment

3. Monitors and repairs site equipment and facilities

• Repairs tables and restrooms throughout the sites
• Utilizes a high-pressure washer in the shower buildings to clean and disinfect
• Maintains equipment such as trucks, mowers, tractors, chainsaws, weed whips and other miscellaneous equipment
• Changes oil and belts on site equipment

4. Provides guidance to intermittent and seasonal staff

• Contributes guidance and direction to seasonal staff on projects through the site
• Assigns and reviews work to seasonal staff
• Provides input into the performance evaluation for intermittent and seasonal staff

5. Engages in camper activities seasonally

• Educates campers of rules and regulations throughout region 1 sites
• Operates camper check stations
• Patrols campgrounds
• Provides any additional information requested to all park users

6. Engages in hunter activities seasonally

• Operates hunter check stations
• Patrols hunting areas
• Checks for appropriate hunting licenses
• Educates hunters of rules and regulations

7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably with the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires education and experience equivalent to high school graduation.
• Requires two (2) years maintenance or farming experience preferably associated with the building trades and/or the operation of heavy equipment and machinery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of working knowledge of tools and equipment used in the trades and/or operation of heavy equipment or farm machinery and implements and/or warehousing.
• Two (2) years of experience following written and oral instructions.
• One (1) year of experience informing visitors of site facilities, programs, rules, and regulations.
• One (1) year of experience in outdoor recreation.
• One (1) year of experience in groundskeeping.

Employment Conditions

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position.

• Ability to pass background check.
• A valid and current Driver's license
• Ability to travel as needed
• Ability to obtain pesticide operator's license within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to withstand exposure to the elements on a year-round basis.
• Physical ability to operate and maintain tools, equipment, and materials utilized in the maintenance, repair, and care of site resources, buildings, and grounds.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport loads exceeding sixty pounds.
• Ability to walk over rough and broken terrain.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting, and promoting Illinois’ natural resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including health, vision and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

The Office of Land Management (OLM) oversees nearly 400 individual parcels of land and institutes a wide variety of programs and activities advocating outdoor recreation through sustainable use, conservation, and preservation. The Historic Sites Division of the Office of Land Management oversees 57 Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials. OLM facilitates activities from small group interpretive programming at Historical Sites, to hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping.