Position: Restoration Technician (Seasonal)

Job Description:

Do you have a passion for the great outdoors? Consider joining our growing team! Woods to Wetlands is seeking to employ seasonal ecological restoration field crew members.  This position will engage you in the restoration of natural areas located in northeast Illinois, which include prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and the shorelines of rivers, streams, and lakes. The season will operate from approximately April through September. Tasks primarily include controlling and removing invasive species, planting native gardens, reintroducing native plants via plugs or seed, participation in prescribed burns, and assisting with botanical surveys. Employees must have a courteous and positive attitude. Additionally, when required, employees must have a reliable form of transportation to drive to and from job sites.  Some perks include paid time off (PTO), paid training, paid travel time and mileage reimbursement when driving personal vehicle to/from job sites, and flexible work hours.

Approximate Work Hours: 35-40 hours per week

Salary Range: $18 – 20/hour, or more depending on experience

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Pulling, cutting, and removal of invasive plant species
• Applying and handling herbicide for the purpose of invasive species control
• Safely operate restoration and landscape equipment such as: brush-cutters, backpack sprayers, rakes, walk-behind mowers, ATV’s, chainsaws, woodchippers, and drip-torches
• Plant native wildflowers, shrubs, and small trees
• Seed collection, processing, and distribution
• Assisting with botanical surveys
• Assisting with prescribed burns
• Cutting, stacking, burning, and chipping invasive trees and brush
• Install erosion control materials such as straw or coconut matting
• Ability to lift and haul 50 pounds
• Ability to walk for long periods of time
• Ability to work in hot and possibly inclement weather, rough terrain, and buggy conditions

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma, GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in land management or the preservation, conservation, and/or stewardship of ecosystems
• Ability to obtain IL Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator/Operator license upon employment
• Ability to train and certify in prescribed burning; minimum Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Crew Training; preferably NWCG S-130/S-190
• 18 years or older
• Team orientated

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, or other related degree
• One year of experience in a similar role or related field
• Basic native and non-native plant identification skills
• Certifications noted above already obtained prior to employment