The Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s Natural Resources Department is accepting applications for one (1) part time Wildlife Technician.

DATE POSTED: APRIL 28, 2021

WORKSITE LOCATION:
MILL CREEK GREENWAY FOREST PRESERVE, ELBURN, ILLINOIS
APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES WEST OF CHICAGO

HOURS/SCHEDULE: 1,456 HOURS PER YEAR; TYPICALLY, MONDAY – FRIDAY, MAY INCLUDE WEEKENDS AND EVENINGS.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 26, 2021 All candidates must apply on-line at: https://www.applitrack.com/kaneforest/onlineapp/_application.aspx?starting=true

POSITION SUMMARY An employee in this classification performs work of moderate difficulty assisting with the development, implementation and coordination of annual and long-term wildlife studies and wildlife management projects within prairie, woodland and aquatic habitats. Work requires the ability to follow through, and report back, on assigned tasks with minimal supervision. General supervision is provided by the Wildlife Biologist, and the incumbent is responsible for delegating to, and overseeing the completion of work performed by, contractors, seasonal/temporary staff and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES and FUNCTIONS to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation • Assists with, and conducts, biological inventories, studies, and research related to both terrestrial, and aquatic wildlife including, but not limited to, deer browse assessments, deer population surveys, grassland bird surveys, marsh bird surveys, reptile and amphibian inventories, acoustic bat surveys and small mammal sampling. • Performs research, including special wildlife research projects, collects field data, and enters data into databases leading to the management of specific wildlife species occurring on District lands.
• Prepares for, and performs field studies. • Supports wildlife research efforts including new or on-going floristic research on District lands. • Provides support, as needed, to the operation of the District’s deer management program. • Conducts rapid wildlife assessments in advance of land management activities. • Assists with endangered, threatened and rare wildlife species monitoring and habitat management. • Assists with preventing property damage by managing beaver dams and beaver trapping. • Participates as a member of the District’s prescribed burn crew. • Occasionally assists with land management and ecological restoration tasks, including but not limited to, weed control (mowing and herbicide application), tree clearing (chainsaw & heavy machinery), seed harvesting, seed cleaning and seed installation. • Assists with preparation of reports and presentations on wildlife research and related work. • Performs general and preventative maintenance on equipment and vehicles. • Possesses and maintains a valid and current Illinois driver’s license and maintains insurability with the District's fleet insurance carrier. • Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the Employee Handbook. • Maintains required logs and databases, provides progress reports, etc. • Establishes positive relationships with outside organizations, the community and preserve users. • Performs administrative duties such as public relations. • Works collaboratively with other employees and consultants of the district to coordinate activities. • Operates and uses a variety of tools and equipment including, but not limited to, 2-way radio, mowers, chain saw, clearing saw, edger, line trimmer; seed harvesting equipment, pick-up truck, GPS, telemetry receivers, and live traps. • Performs work in areas where the general public, and preserve patrons, may be present.May lead project crews including, but not limited to, assigning tasks, solving problems, and making project-related decisions. • May supervise contractors, seasonal staff and volunteers during wildlife management projects; carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology or related ecological science field, and one (1) year of related, hands-on, wildlife management experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. • Certifications/Licenses, must be obtained within one year of employment: CPR/1st AID/AED; S130/S190 Wildland Firefighter certification; Pesticide Applicator or Operator license.