TITLE:  Natural Resource Management – Resource Crew Leader

DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION
LOCATION: CHERRY HILL OPERATIONS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FACILITY 

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is accepting resumes for 1 Natural Resource Management Crew – Restoration Crew Leader. This is a permanent full-time position that is expected to schedule, coordinate, lead, and train NRM seasonal staff and/or interns to implement the District’s natural resource management program, including invasive species control, seed collection, native plantings, fire management and monitoring to restore and maintain native species and habitat diversity within the District's preserve system. 

 

The Natural Resource Management Crew – Restoration Crew Leader is a Grade 9 position, with a starting salary of $45,957 to $66,179 commensurate with experience.  Visit https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/about/employment/ for job description outlining duties, skills, abilities, training, experience and working conditions or for more information. 

 

BASIC FUNCTION

The Restoration Crew Leader is expected to schedule, coordinate, lead, and train NRM seasonal staff and/or interns to implement the District’s natural resource management program, including invasive species control, seed collection,, native plantings, fire management and monitoring to restore and maintain native species and habitat diversity within the District's preserve system.  

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:  Natural Resource Management Coordinator  
Supervises: None    
This position will require occasional coordination of Resource Management Crew and Operations Department Staff.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.       Safeguard and influence the quality of rare and uncommon natural community and habitat types or rare-species habitat. 

2.       Quantify and document management actions to summarize annual work, propose new actions, and monitor results. 

3.       Contribute to the development of resource management planning initiatives such as annual work plans, schedules, summaries and reports.

4.       Contribute to baseline site inventories, implementation of monitoring programs, and data management systems to evaluate the effectiveness of various restoration and management programs.

5.       Participate in the implementation of the District’s prescribed fire program with an emphasis on control line establishment, equipment preparation and maintenance.

6.       Inventory, order and maintain supplies, equipment, and other materials necessary to complete management work.
7.       Provide feedback to the ecology and natural resource management coordinators on identifying invasive species control priorities or treatment effectiveness, and relocation of native species to appropriate habitats.
8        Lead, train, schedule and oversee daily/weekly management activities of NRM seasonal staff.

9.       Represent the Natural Resource Management section in various intra-agency teams, meetings and working groups as assigned.
10.    Other duties as assigned by supervisor or director.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·         Possession of effective communication skills in written and oral formats.

·         Possession of basic computer skills in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheet, and database) and ArcGIS mapping.

·         Have or be willing to develop skills operating and loading ATVs and UTVs, as well as attaching and driving equipment trailers not requiring a CDL.

·         Competence and experience in using basic tools of natural area management in a safe and effective manner, including maintaining (cleaning & sharpening) chainsaws and cutting trees > 12” DBH, operating clearing saws, leaf blowers, brush mowers, backpack and tank sprayers, and operating and maintaining loppers and pruning shears and saws.

·         Being in good physical condition with the ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and physically capable of lifting and transporting 50 lb. objects over uneven terrain.

·         Knowledge of Midwest flora, including native and non-native species identification.

·         Have or be willing to acquire an Illinois pesticide public applicator’s license with rights-of-way and aquatic categories.

·         Must possess and maintain a current and valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

 

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education:                     Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology or related field with a specialization in ecology/resource management preferred (although see below). 

Experience:                  Minimum two years of applied natural resource management experience with an appropriate Bachelor’s degree, or 5 years applied natural resource management experience without an appropriate degree. 

Certifications:               Possession of, or willingness to procure, National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130/190, I-100 certificates or Chicago Wilderness Midwest Ecological Prescription Fire Crew Member training.  District will provide training if needed.

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

Work environment characteristics and physical demands 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 the essential functions.

 

1.       This is an active job.  While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, talk and hear.

2.       While performing the duties of this job the employee occasionally works near moving parts; works outside in extreme heat or cold weather conditions; lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds; is exposed to fumes, airborne particles, smoke and toxic or caustic chemicals and potentially hazardous plants and animals.

3.       Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.

4.       The noise level in this job is usually moderate but can be high.

 

This 40 hour/week position entails working Monday - Friday with the possibility to work flexible weekday, evening, and weekend shifts.  Occasional extended hours and weekend workdays will be required. This position includes the option of a maximum of 16 hours of remote work, subject to supervisor’s approval.

 

Pay Range:                   Grade 9

Minimum:                      $ 45,957

Midpoint:                       $ 55,149

Maximum:                     $ 66,179

Schedule:                      Full-Time  

 

Application Procedure:  Send a cover letter including position desired, describing interest and a resume to:

 

Veronica Frausto-Sarwark, Director of Human Resources

Forest Preserve District of Will County

17540 W. Laraway Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433

815-722-5669 (desk)

815-722-3608 (fax)

humanresources@fpdwc.org