Restoration Technician

~ The mission of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County is to acquire, hold, and maintain lands within Kane County, which contribute to the preservation of natural and historic resources and habitats, flora or fauna; to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the education, recreation, and pleasure of all its citizens. Our goal is to Preserve and Restore the Nature of Kane County. ~

The District employs 70 full-time and 2 part-time employees and approximately 44 summer seasonal employees and 20 year-round seasonal police officers. The headquarters is located at Suite 320, 1996 South Kirk Road, Geneva. Satellite offices are located at the Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center (McGuire House), Trades (Campton FP), Natural Resources (Aurora West), North (Muirhead Springs FP) and South (Grunwald Farms FP) Operation Facilities.

Position Overview

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s Natural Resources Department is accepting applications for one (1) Restoration Technician.

Under direct supervision of the Restoration Ecologist, performs a wide variety of assigned tasks and projects designed to improve the ecological health of District lands. May assist or mentor seasonals, interns and volunteers on day-to-day operational tasks.

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, May Include Saterdays
• Summer Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Responsibilities

• Assists with day-to-day restoration and enhancement tasks, including but not limited to: brush removal (utilizing power equipment such as chainsaws, mowers & brush cutters), prescribed burns, management of invasive plants, heavy equipment operation, and installation and harvest of native seed.
• Assists department staff in the collection of biological data, including tree surveys, floristic inventories and the monitoring of various wildlife species.
• Conducts routine equipment inspections and performs maintenance and repair of equipment, vehicles and tools.
• Operates vehicles of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment and material.
• Operates light and medium-sized construction and power equipment.
• Shall occasionally be required to paint, spray herbicide, oversee intern projects, data entry, and vegetation inventory and monitoring.
• Shall assist with the general maintenance and upkeep of department buildings.
• Participates in native plant propagation efforts (greenhouse, hoophouse, and garden).
• Occasionally may be assigned to oversee work performed by contractors.
• Represents a positive and professional image to the public and assists the public as needed.
• Possesses and maintains a valid and current Illinois Driver’s License free from suspension or revocation during term of employment; must maintain insurability with the District’s fleet insurance carrier.
• May work irregular hours, including weekends, evenings.
• Obtains and maintains all required licenses and certifications.
• Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the Employee Handbook.
• Establishes positive relationships with community and preserve users.
• Provides input during the budget preparation process.
• Maintains required logs and work lists, provides progress reports, etc.

Qualifications

• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old.
• Education: Associates degree in ecology, botany, natural resource management, land management, or closely related field; Bachelors degree a plus.
• Experience: One (1) year in natural resources, recreation, or closely related field; previous experience operating required equipment (see below); or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience and training.
• Certifications/Licenses: CPR/1st AID/AED, CDL Class A, Pesticide Operator; S-130 and S-190 Prescribe Burn or equivalent; all licenses/certifications must be obtained and maintained within one year of employment.