Habitat Technician II

The Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) is seeking candidates for a Habitat Technician II. This position will assist the IRAP Coordinators with habitat management projects on private property leased by IRAP, as well as using ArcGIS Pro for mapping and data collection.   This is a full-time, salaried position that will start as soon as possible and end June 30, 2028, with the possibility of a contract renewal.

Starting Salary: $48,000 annually ($23.08 per/hr)

Hours: 40+ per week

Benefits: Employer paid health/life insurance; Paid federal holidays, vacation, sick time

Additional Benefits:  Work vehicle provided, stipend for work boots/PPE, paid mandatory training/certifications 

Deadline to Apply: 5:00 p.m., September 15, 2025

Under guidance of an IRAP Coordinator, the successful candidate will:

• Provide technical assistance in the implementation of habitat projects
• Independently work on habitat projects as directed by the IRAP Coordinators
• Chemically and mechanically treat and remove invasive plants
• Plan and conduct prescribed burns
• Safely secure and trailer medium and heavy equipment using State of Illinois vehicles
• Develop, edit, and submit prescribed burn plans
• Map projects and acreages and collect and organize data using ArcPro GIS
• Other duties as needed for the implementation and promotion of habitat projects and related activities of the Illinois Recreational Access Program

A candidate must:

• Have and maintain a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance
• Be willing to travel to project sites in an assigned vehicle, within the State of Illinois, on an almost daily basis
• Experience using and maintaining a variety of hand tools and equipment used for implementation of habitat management practices, such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, and herbicide sprayers
• Be able to frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting up to 50 pounds
• Be able to sustain physical activity in uneven, wet, and/or steep outdoor environments over an extended duration, including extreme heat, cold, and wind   
• Have completed S130/190 Wildland Fire Training or be willing to do so within the first month of employment
• Have a valid Illinois Commercial Applicator’s License or be willing to do so within the first month of employment
• Have a High School Diploma and at least two years of relevant work experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Have a valid Illinois Commercial Applicator’s License
• Have a valid Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Certificate
• Experience with securely loading, transporting, and operating medium/heavy farm machinery used for implementation of habitat management practices
• Experience with pulling flatbed and enclosed equipment trailers
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro
• A Bachelors Degree or higher in Forestry, Wildlife, or similar within the Natural Resources field, with at least one year of relevant work experience