Assistant Resource Project Manager

Cook County Government•Harlem, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Resource Project Manager, provides a high level of professional expertise and direction in the coordination of District land management resources, in particular contractual staff, but also Conservation Corps, partners, and field staff. Assists with implementation of large-scale District-wide projects of ecological importance on District lands. Supervises staff and contractors to help organize, track, and deliver land management resources across the District’s land holdings. Assists with the coordination of activities and priorities with District resource management leadership. Builds relationships and confers with other conservation-based governmental agencies on matters affecting District lands. Provides coordination of approved plans and supervision of the implementation of plans; creates detailed contract specifications, compiles bid documents and executes the bid process in accordance with District procedures; resolves conflicts between staff, and other individuals or groups relative to land management techniques and programs; may oversee staff scheduling, work assignments and budget preparation for land management activities.

Requirements

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry, biology, ecology, botany, environmental science or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least five years of full-time professional work experience in natural area restoration, ecological, horticultural, arboricultural and/or other substantially similar landscape/agricultural work OR must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. AND at least nine years of professional work experience in natural area restoration, ecological, horticultural, arboricultural, or other substantially similar landscape/agricultural work.
Must possess at least three years of full-time work experience in project management in an organization with large scale operations, such as a park district, municipality, state/national park, forest preserve, or contractor with large scale operations or other similar organization.
Must possess a certificate of completion of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130/S190 courses OR a certificate of completion of the 2-day Chicago Wilderness Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member Training.
Must possess a current International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Credential OR ability to obtain within one year from date of hire.
Must possess a valid Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s License OR official documentation verifying that the exam has been taken and passed within six months from date of hire.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Possession of an Illinois Prescribed Burn Manager certification; OR at least two seasons of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; OR at least two seasons of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least two seasons of work experience on property of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR at least two seasons of work experience with other partners such as, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.
Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of natural resource management including biology, ecology, fisheries, wildlife management and plant propagation.
Knowledge of prescribed burning and wildfire suppression.
Knowledge of techniques for controlling invasive plants and herbicide procedures including, but not limited to, proper plan identification, proper application procedures, State and District rules and regulations.
Knowledge of the methods, equipment, and materials used in natural areas management including knowledge of landscaping, horticulture, and arboriculture.
Experience deploying, repairing, and /or replacing field equipment to effectively run efficient field operations.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety policies and procedures.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety policies and procedures as it relates to the work at the District.
Ability to coordinate staff, contractors, Conservation Corps, partner organizations and volunteers in all aspects of ecological land management.
Ability to resolve conflicts and work through differences of opinion between staff, contractors, volunteers, partner groups and outside agencies relative to land management techniques and programs.
Knowledge of currently accepted restoration ecology concepts and techniques as applied to forests, woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and savannas.
Knowledge and experience with current conservation strategies for the preservation of plant and animal species and natural communities, and the appropriate management techniques suitable for regional habitats as it pertains to District needs and operations.
General knowledge of established State and District rules and regulations regarding land management, with specific focus on tree risk management and removal.
Knowledge of the ecosystems of the Chicago area and the central Midwest.
Ability to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) both professionally and to the general public.
Ability to organize and execute with dedication the mission of the District.
Ability to manage numerous projects at one time, skill in directing written and oral instructions effectively.
Skill in the development and planning of programs related to the assessment, preservation, and conservation of natural resources.
Skill and ability in developing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Must maintain all required certifications and licenses for this position as a condition of continued employment.
Ability to obtain any additional certifications and licenses deemed appropriate by the District for this position.
Ability to use industry-standard Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology; proficient with the use of geospatial software systems including Google Earth Pro, ArcGIS, Field Maps, and other ESRI products.
Ability to work remotely, if required.
Ability to work extended hours or hours outside normal business hours during prescribed burn season, storm damage operations, or other unforeseen occurrences related to the function of this position.
This position requires exposure to a hazardous work environment, including, but not limited to exposure to fire, smoke, herbicides, stream clean-up, natural elements, inclement weather, hazardous plants and animals and the ability to perform various types of physical exertion including, but not limited to lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving objects of moderate to heavy weight.
This position may require the employee to work out of various locations temporarily to facilitate District operations and/or travel to work assignments for which the employee must provide his or her own adequate means of transportation.

Responsibilities

Assists with prescribed burning plans and may conduct prescribed burns on appropriate District lands.
Oversees contractual prescribed burning.
May instruct and train employees on the proper fire suppression and prescribed burn procedures.
Supervises assigned staff in all aspects of daily duties.
Surveys and inspects trees and other woody materials on District properties to identify potentially hazardous trees and other woody vegetation maintenance needs.
Creates and oversees contracts consisting of detailed locations and species composition for woody vegetation maintenance.
Manages all paperwork associated with work.
Assists with coordinating and instructing training activities for District staff and volunteers, as required.
Manages all paperwork associated with work.
Assists, supports, and supervises volunteer activities by providing guidance and direction in the use and application of tools and equipment, workday assistance or in other capacities as required.
Assists with the implementation of tree planting and maintenance programs; supervises and monitors contractors to ensure compliance with planting specifications and standards.
Maintains tree inventory data to monitor long-term tree health, structure, density, and species composition to inform tree planting programs.
Represents the District on various committees with outside agencies and organizations such as Chicago Wilderness, Chicago Region Trees Initiative, United States Forest Service, Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, and the City of Chicago.
Assists with the creation of detailed contract specifications, compiling of bid documents and executing the bid process in accordance with District procedures working with the Purchasing Agent.
Assists with the coordination and supervision of all aspects of assigned contract land management work including, but not limited to restoration, tree removal, and tree planting.
Assists with generating work assignments, site planning, invoicing, verification of work completion, report writing, budgeting, and all other aspects of contracted ecological restoration work.
Manages all paperwork and record keeping associated with the work.
Assists with the prioritization of restoration resources (staff, contractors, Conservation Corps, volunteers, and partner organizations), focusing on highest quality areas as detailed in the Natural and Cultural Resource Master Plan.
Coordinates development of informational webpages, notifications, and alerts regarding major restoration projects and activities for posting on the District’s website.
May assist with the establishment and coordination of Conservation Corps programs.
Uses Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to assist in recording and tracking land management activities (including tree and vegetation management, prescribed burning, and other work-related data); collaborates with other department sections to ensure consistent data collection practices and database maintenance.
Assists with the oversight of work associated with utility permitting and license agreements.
May need to respond in the event of a District emergency such as wildfire.
Ensures that safety regulations are followed.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.