Natural Resource Technician

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Assist the field staff with natural areas management tasks including, but not limited to exotic species management, fence construction, and seed harvesting for ongoing restoration activities.
•    Assist the field staff with chemical and mechanical weed control projects.
•    Assist with District-wide woody invasive species control through the use of brush saws and hand tools.
•    Assist with the monitoring of freshwater mussel species.
•    Participate in planting and seeding projects.

QUALIFICATIONS
•    Enthusiastic, courteous, positive attitude and team spirit.
•    Must be a full-time college student or a recent graduate from an accredited school with one-year minimum course work in biology, botany, environmental science or education or related field.
•    Computer skills – experience with common computer software including Microsoft Office Suite.
•    Strong written and oral communication skills.
•    Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions (including exposure to allergens, heat, humidity, biting insects, and poisonous plants).
•    Possess a basic knowledge of the flora of northeastern Illinois and familiarity with the characteristics of regional woodland, prairie and wetland communities. Understanding of a broad range of ecological concepts and a willingness to learn in a variety of settings.
•    Experience with or a willingness to learn safe operation of gas-powered weed whips.
•    Possess or be willing to acquire Illinois Pesticide Operator license.
•    Must be 18 years of age or older.
•    Current and valid Illinois driver’s license that is free from suspension or revocation during term of employment; must maintain insurability with the District’s fleet carrier.
•    Employment is subject to successful results of a criminal history background investigation and satisfactory completion of a physical and drug screen.