Plant Technician

DATE POSTED: FEBRUARY 22, 2023

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

APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES WEST OF CHICAGO

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $43,362 TO $52,034 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 direct supervision of the Natural Resource Manager, the Plant Technician 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.

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

Operations:

• Assists department staff in the collection of biological data, including tree surveys, floristic inventories and the monitoring of rare and listed plant species.

• Harvests native seed, processes seed, and creates mixes to be sown across a variety of restoration projects.

• Organizes volunteer efforts to harvest seed.

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

• Participates on prescribed burns as a member of the burn crew.

• Oversees intern projects.

• Performs data entry and analysis for vegetation inventories and surveys.

• Assists with day to day restoration and enhancement tasks, including brush removal (utilizing equipment such as chainsaws and brushsaws), management of invasive plants, planting of trees/native plugs and application of pesticides.

• Operates vehicles of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment and material.

• Conducts routine equipment inspections and performs maintenance and repair of equipment, vehicles and tools.

• Assists with general maintenance and upkeep of department buildings.

• Oversees work performed by contractors, occasionally.

• 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.

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old

• Education: Associate’s degree in ecology, botany, natural resource management, land management, or closely related field; Bachelor’s 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, Pesticide Applicator; S-130/S-190 basic wildland firefighting training or equivalent; all licenses/certifications must be obtained and maintained within one year of employment.