Senior Restoration Technician

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

DATE POSTED: FEBRUARY 22, 2023

WORKSITE LOCATION: MILL CREEK GREENWAY FOREST PRESERVE, ELBURN, ILLINOIS

APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES WEST OF CHICAGO

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $50,300 TO $60,360 PER YEAR - DOQ

HOURS/SCHEDULE: FULL TIME, 40-HOURS PER WEEK, M-F

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

All candidates must apply on-line at: https://www.applitrack.com/kaneforest/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Natural Resource Manager, the Senior Restoration Technician performs a wide variety of assigned and self-initiated tasks and projects designed to improve the ecological health of District lands. Directs Restoration and Plant Technicians, interns and seasonal staff on day-to-day operational tasks. May supervise volunteers, contractors and consultants during projects.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES and FUNCTIONS to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Operations:

• Oversees the day-to-day restoration and enhancement tasks for one-half of the District’s properties, 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, application of pesticides, and harvest and installation of native seed.

• Functions as a Prescribed Burn Boss for the District.

• 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.

• Oversees intern projects, perform data entry, and vegetation inventory and monitoring, occasionally.

• Assists with general maintenance and upkeep of department buildings.

• Participates in native plant propagation efforts (greenhouse, hoophouse and garden).

• Oversees 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.

• Works irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, occasionally.

• Attends professional conferences, workshops and seminars as appropriate within budget parameters and with Department Head approval.

• Obtains and maintains all required licenses and certifications and keeps up-to-date on professional trends and developments related to position accountabilities.

• Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, the Employee Handbook, and applicable laws and regulations.

Administration:

• Establishes positive relationships with community, volunteers and preserve users.

• Provides input during the annual planning and budget preparation process.

• Provides constructive input for subordinate personnel during performance evaluation process.

• Maintains required logs and work lists, provides progress reports, etc.

Staff Supervision:

• Supervises Restoration and Plant Technicians, interns and seasonals; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old

• Education: Equivalent to Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, natural resource management, land management, or closely related field; Master’s degree a plus.

• Experience: Three (3) years in hands-on land management; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, experience and training.

• Proven supervisory experience a must.

• GIS and computer experience a plus.

• Certifications/Licenses: CPR/1st AID/AED, CDL Class A, Pesticide Applicator, S-130/S-190 basic wildland firefighting training or equivalent; all licenses/certifications must be obtained within one year of employment.