Natural Resources Technician

~ The mission of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District is to preserve and manage natural areas and open spaces, provide environmental education, and offer recreational opportunities for Kendall County residents. ~

Kendall County, located in northeastern Illinois, combines city assets with a small town lifestyle and is an attractive location for businesses. The region's convenient location and moderate population encourage local economic growth and support a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities. The County occupies approximately 320 square miles and is considered part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The County seat is located in Yorkville.

Position Overview

The Kendall County Forest Preserve District is currently accepting applications for Natural Resources Technician(s) to support District natural resource management activities. Position(s) will be, part-time and year-round, requiring a combination of a regular and flexible schedule that will include some evenings and weekends, particularly for pre-scheduled volunteer restoration work days, and for support of larger-scale restoration initiatives.

Responsible for performing a variety of natural areas management and grounds maintenance duties throughout Kendall County Forest Preserve District Property. This position reports to the Forest Preserve Superintendent.

Responsibilities

The duties for this position shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of horticultural tasks including, but not limited to, mowing, edging, aerating, trimming,fertilizing, controlling weeds, seeding and maintaining natural areas, trimming, planting, and pruning trees and shrubs, and treating and removing exotic and invasive species.
• Gathers, loads and hauls refuse and vegetation from grounds and user areas.
• Regularly uses, maintains and repairs tools of the trade (both powered and non-powered equipment)including, but not limited to chainsaw(s), mowing equipment, and other mechanical hand tools.
• Hauls and moves materials and supplies, as needed, for District and public use.
• Repairs and maintains District trails by performing duties including, but not limited to, removing fallen trees and limbs; repairing any damage caused by erosion or other factors; and installing wood chips,limestone screenings, and other trail surfaces.
• Collects GIS data for spreadsheet entry and management, including mapping of natural area plant communities, ecotypes, and threats.
• Supports Grounds and Natural Resources maintenance activity assignments, which may include:
• Safe and effective operation and maintenance of District equipment including, but not limited to,small dump trucks, sod cutters, rototillers, chain saws, and trimmers.
• Set up for events and volunteer work day functions functions; and ensuring facilities are clean and work day equipment preparations completed prior to the start of restoration work days.
• Locates and removes refuse from District property.
• Performs controlled burns, brush removal, seed collecting, and other natural area management tasks.
• Supervises volunteers and the general public participating in natural area management workdays.
• Participates in emergency preparedness and response activities as assigned.
• Communicates District rules and regulations to the public, staff, and volunteers.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural areas management and/or natural resources preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years experience in natural area and grounds resourcemanagement or similar role, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance tools and equipment use.
• Completion of all assigned equipment and natural areas management training.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as governmental regulations, material safety data sheets, equipment operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively with the public, employees, and volunteers.
• Good knowledge of the English language, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to measure volumes.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• A valid Drivers’ License and any other licenses/certifications necessary to operate District tools and equipment.
• A valid Illinois Pesticide Applicators License or, in the alternative, obtain a valid Illinois Pesticide Applicators License within the first ninety (90) days of employment.
• All other training, certificates and registrations required for the specific duties performed.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Compensation: Starting salary for the position is $12.00 - $14.00 per hour depending on qualifications. Benefits may include participation in the IMRF pension plan for a selected candidate that will work over 1,000 hours per year, and pro-rated vacation after the first year of service.

To Apply

Please click below to upload a completed a completed application and resume.

~ Kendall County Forest Preserve District is an equal opportunity employer. ~