Ecological Restoration Technician

ST CHARLES PARK DISTRICT • St. Charles, IL

7d

About The Position

Through collaboration with your supervisor and co-workers in this hands-on role, you will have the opportunity to restore ecological systems within 500+ acres of St. Charles Park District natural areas. The goal of this position is to increase the overall health of native habitat to create a high-quality amenity for the benefit of residents, visitors and the St. Charles community. This position is well suited for someone with a friendly and positive personality who is productive and shows initiative, is an effective written and oral communicator, is reliable and safety-minded.

Requirements

• Extensive technical knowledge or specialized training or a two-year degree in biological sciences, ecology, forestry or related field is required.
• One to three years with some plant identification.
• Must possess or obtain S130/S190 Wildfire training.
• Must obtain an Illinois spray applicator license within six months of hire.
• A valid Illinois State Driver’s License is required.
• Must have plant identification ability, controlled burn understanding and the safe use of herbicides and power equipment including chainsaw.
• Pleasant personality and work record that shows reliability, initiative, tact and productivity.
• Maintain current CPR/AED/First Aid Certification and DCFS Mandated Reporter Certification or obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Ecological Restoration Supervisor in all responsibilities.
• Assist controlled burns through preparation of the burn site and aid in the burn planning process.
• Participate in the winter brush clearing initiative by hauling, cutting, chipping and burning brush and trees using both hand and power equipment.
• Be attentive to the care and cleaning of all equipment.
• Prepare and apply herbicide as directed and appropriate.
• Assist in the collection of seeds, the planting of seeds and plants, and assist with the cultivation of plants in the propagation area.
• Supervise assigned part-time employees and train them to become more productive by instruction and hands-on work.
• Operate vehicles and motorized equipment as required.
• Assist in monitoring the progress of restoration plans in the field and suggest appropriate changes as needed.
• Continually upgrade knowledge of all aspects of position.
• Assist at educational programs and to generally provide support services for environmental education programs and events.
• Ability to work Saturday mornings to support the volunteer initiative.
• Willingly work beyond normal working hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Keep records of all work performed.
• Keep the Ecological Restoration Supervisor adequately informed at all times of problems related to work and changes in plans of work.
• Assist the Ecological Restoration Supervisor in the creation of management plans on all sites
• Inventory tools and commodities necessary for the operation of the naturalist’s division of the Parks Department.
• Assist with special events.
• Assist with snow removal.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance coverage or Health Insurance Waiver Incentive
• Dental Insurance – paid 100% by the District
• Vision Insurance - paid 100% by the District
• Life Insurance and AD&D coverage of 2x the employee’s salary, paired with a dependent package, paid 100% by the District
• Time Off: The Park District provides all full-time employees with paid sick, personal and vacation days in accordance with the Park District’s sick, personal and vacation policies, rules, and regulations.
• Retirement: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan
• Includes Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Benefit
• Voluntary Benefits
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Account
• Commuter Benefit Account
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Supplemental Indemnity Insurance (Aflac)
• Additional District Incentives
• Wellness Program
• Paid Training and Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounts for Programs and free Admission to Facilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree