Ecological Restoration Technician

~ Nelson Land Management is an ecological and forestry management consulting and contracting company in central Illinois. ~

We specialize in ecological contracting projects for a diverse range of federal, state, corporate, and private clients including US Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IL Environmental Protection Agency, Caterpillar, and John Deere. Core areas of expertise include timber stand improvement, prairie and wetland restoration and installation, vegetation and weed management, prescribed burn implementation, and development related nonpoint source pollution prevention and management.

We also develop plans through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Conservation Stewardship Program and Forestry Development Act, prescribed burn plans and permitting, and comprehensive ecological management implementation plans for corporate and private landowners.

Position Overview

The Ecological Restoration Technician implements land management practices to restore a variety of Midwestern ecosystems.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 1 - 2 years’ experience as farming, landscaping, horticulture or related field;
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather;
• Possess, or ability to obtain possession of, IL Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Operator’s license;
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; chainsaw, brush saw, UTV, water pumps, herbicide sprayers, etc.);
• Must effectively communicate in written and oral formats;
• Plant identification skills; and
• Possess, or ability to obtain, related licenses such as first aid, CPR, basic etc. (provided by NLM, if needed).

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

The candidate may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions require:

• Considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain;
• Occasional 8 -10+ hour days in isolated settings;
• Occasional overnight stays in hotels or tent camping; and
• Ability to tolerate insects, poison ivy, and other unpleasant aspects of nature.

Work Environment:

• Ability to stand; walk on uneven terrain; carry, lift and move heavy objects (50 pounds) or tools (chain saws, clearing saws, herbicide backpacks); climb steep hills; and withstand extreme weather conditions;
• While performing the duties of this job the employee occasionally works near moving parts; is exposed to fumes, airborne particles, smoke and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in this job is usually moderate but can be high.

Compensation: $14 - $16/hr. Benefits include group health insurance and paid time off.