Natural Resources Technician

~ The Morton Arboretum is a magnificent outdoor museum with a mission to collect and study trees, shrubs and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance the environment. ~

The Arboretum's goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. The Morton Arboretum is strategically positioned to achieve its vision of being the leading center of tree expertise, inspiring the world to plant and protect trees.

Joy Morton, the founder of The Morton Salt Company, was a visionary. When he founded The Morton Arboretum in 1922, transforming his Thornhill estate in Lisle, Illinois located 25 miles west of Chicago, he wanted to continue his family legacy to plant trees. The inspiration for the Arboretum had its origins in his own family tree. J. Sterling Morton, his father, was the originator of Arbor Day in 1872 and "Plant Trees" was their family motto. Certainly, he did not know how the world would change nearly 100 years later, but he bestowed a gift that would allow the Arboretum to grow for generations to come.

Position Overview

The Morton Arboretum seeks a Natural Resources Technician to perform a variety of duties relating to the maintenance and restoration of woodland, wetland, prairie, and aquatic natural areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field required.
• 9+ months of experience required. In lieu of this, some combination of education and experience in natural resources management may be acceptable.
• Ability to identify major plant genera, field identification, growth characteristics, and horticultural requirements of plants required.
• Strong interest in native plants and their proper culture and care. Ability to operate essential equipment and tools, and have a basic understanding of them, including their care and maintenance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Illinois Pesticide Operator's License within 30 days of hire.
• Must be able to obtain a Class C Commercial Driver's License, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report, within 1 year of hire.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with Gmail and other Google applications beneficial.

Success Factors:

• Excellent physical condition.
• Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to work alone or as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide guidance and give direction to volunteers and seasonal employees.
• Ability to learn basic GIS mapping and GPS technology skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• Requires regular physical activity limited lifting (up to 100 lbs. assisted) and carrying (up to 50 lbs.), bending, pushing and pulling.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required.

Environment:

• Arboretum grounds.
• Work is performed primarily outdoors.

Equipment:

• Herbicide and related application sprayers and equipment.
• Prescribed burn equipment.
• Equipment to control invasive species.
• Landscape equipment.
• Snow removal equipment.
• Cushman cart.
• Van.
• Front-end loader crew truck.
• Utility vehicle.
• Two-way radio.
• General office equipment.

Schedule:

• Work requires occasional evening and weekend hours.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements.

~ The Morton Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce. ~