Restoration Ecologist

It shall be the mission of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County 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.

Position Overview: 

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County's Natural Resources Department has a full time Restoration Ecologist position open. The selected candidate will be an energetic self-starter with proven local botanical knowledge, and who also possesses supervisory and computer skills.

Under the general direction of the Director of Natural Resources, performs a wide variety of assigned and self-initiated tasks and projects designed to improve the ecological health of District lands.

Directs Restoration Technician, Restoration Maintenance Workers and Seasonal staff on day-to-day operational tasks. May supervise volunteers, contractors and consultants during projects. Directs the day-to-day implementation of inventory, assessment and management of the District's natural resources; scheduling of work and equipment, restoration management plans, and follow-up assessments.

Using proven survey skills, employee collects data for flora and fauna; vertebrate, invertebrate and aquatic communities, monitors endangered/threatened species, and natural areas protection.

Responsibilities:

Operations:

• Researches and analyzes collected data using developed methodology and utilizes data to prepare reports for decision-making, grant compliance, and other special uses.
• Conducts floristic inventories across a variety of habitats.
• Oversees implementation of new and on-going site restoration/enhancement projects, including inspecting contractors to ensure specification compliance.
• Prepares annual land management schedule and plans for all preserves undergoing restoration and enhancement. Includes plans for special management of endangered/threatened species and their habitats, plans for natural ecosystem management and prepares land management implementation plans.
• Performs plant community and habitat enhancement, restoration, and management for flora and fauna species through noxious and problem weed management using mechanical, chemical and biological control methods.
• Under direction of the Director, manages seeding, live plant installation and reforestation projects.
• Participates in the prescribed burn program (serves as a crew member).
• Assists, trains and supervises seasonal employees and volunteers in resource management implementation.
• Plans and coordinates annual harvest of seed from native plants.
• Acts as District field liaison to federal, state and local agencies regarding resource management and conservation.
• Participates in natural habitat management and restoration projects through brush removal (utilizing power equipment such as chainsaws & brush cutters), operating heavy equipment to clear brush, install seed and mow weeds.
• Coordinates public and volunteer involvement in preserve restoration and management, acts as crew leader for workdays.

Administration:

• Establishes positive relationships with community and preserve users.
• Provides input during the budget preparation process.
• Provides constructive input for subordinate personnel during performance evaluation process.
• Maintains required logs and work lists, provides progress reports, etc.
• Participates in the applicant selection, interview process and recommendation of new staff.
• Provides field orientation for new staff.

Staff Supervision:

Supervises Restoration Technician, Restoration Maintenance Workers and Summer Seasonals; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years old
• Education: Bachelors degree in ecology, botany, natural resource management, land management, or closely related field; Masters Degree coursework underway a plus.
• Experience: 3 years in hands-on land management; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience and training.
• Proven supervisory and computer experience a must. GIS experience a plus.
• Certifications/Licenses: CPR/1st AID/AED, CDL Class A, Pesticide Applicator, S-130 and S-190 Prescribe Burn or equivalent; all licenses/certifications must be obtained within 1 year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Good knowledge of principles and practices of forestry, ecology and natural resource management.
• Good knowledge of flora and fauna in the Chicagoland area.
• Good knowledge of current land management techniques for invasive and exotic plant species.
• Basic knowledge of local ornithology and entomology.
• Ability to perform duties related to prescribed burns; understands and evaluates land use history for ecological restoration purposes; develops and implements a prescribed burn regime in cooperation with Burn Boss.
• Ability to recognize and differentiate soil types.
• Ability to read, interpret and utilize aerial photos, topographic and soil maps.
• Ability to prepare and conduct field studies regarding...
• Ability to use the following equipment: computer and plotter; telephone; 2-way radio; calculator; writing utensils; tractors, mowers, chain saw, clearing saw, edger, line trimmer; seed harvesting equipment; herbicide applicator; 5-yard and one-ton dump truck, backhoe, front-end loader; various hand tools; and pick-up truck.
• Good knowledge of vehicle and equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Good knowledge of applicable safety precautions.
• Capacity to safely operate a variety of maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Capacity to safely use and dispose of various chemicals.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work around the general public and preserve patrons in public areas.
• Capacity to utilize effective time management skills to complete assigned work.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere, promoting positive work relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow through on projects from beginning to end without immediate supervision.
• Capacity to lead crews, solve problems and make project-related decisions.

Worksite Location: Aurora West Forest Preserve, Aurora, Illinois. Approximately 60 miles west of Chicago. 

Compensation: Starting Salary Range: $42,031 to $52,539 per year.
Hours/Schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, May include Saturdays

Application Deadline: Received by June 18, 2010, 4:00 PM.

To Apply:

Please contact Betsy Scaletta, Human Resources Assistant. All candidates must submit a signed ORIGINAL employment application. Resumes are accepted in addition to a completed application.
No faxes please.

1996 South Kirk Road, Suite 320
Geneva IL 60134

An equal opportunity employer.