Natural Resources Technician

Job Type: Full-time

Classification: Full-time

Department: Natural Resources

Work Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL) with regular travel to all District sites.

FSLA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Eligible

Compensation: Grade 6: $20.79 – $30.11

Hours: Typical work hours are 6:30am-5:00pm, Monday through Thursday unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required depending on operational needs.

Starting Date: 2/12/2024

POSITION SUMMARY

The Natural Resources Technician is responsible for assisting with natural areas management throughout the District. This includes invasive plant management; restoration and conservation of prairie/savanna, forest/woodlands, and wetlands; and support of the District’s education and recreation efforts.

Supervisory Relationships

The Natural Resources Technician reports to the Director of Natural Resources. This position may assist in supervising the daily work of seasonal employees, interns, and/or volunteers.

Essential Functions

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify native and invasive species in natural areas.
• Handle, mix, and apply herbicides and pesticides using various spray equipment.
• Conduct field sampling, prepare environmental analyses, and report field conditions to supervisor.
• Prepare sites for planting of trees, shrubs, or seeds as directed to support restoration efforts.
• Participate in seed collection and seed processing.
• Perform prescribed burns as a member of a burn crew.
• Assist with tree/brush removal.
• Use various tools of the trade, including but not limited to: trucks, tractors, mowers, backhoes, skid-steers, chain saws, brush cutters, and hand tools.
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and efficient working order.
• Assist with supervision of daily work assignments for seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers.
• Assist with performing and documenting safety orientation for seasonal staff and/or volunteers.
• Perform all job tasks in compliance with the District’s Safety Manual and the department training manual.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, natural resources, forestry or other closely related field. The District will also consider candidates who hold a high school degree, associate’s degree, or trade degree combined with five years of comparable work and/or life experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of, and/or experience in, conservation biology, restoration ecology, environmental science, hydrology, soil science, environmental laws and regulations, and/or environmental impact assessment principles and practices.
• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator license or the ability to obtain within 3 months of employment.

Please Note: Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every one of the qualifications as stated in the job description. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna and/or Midwest ecosystems is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships throughout the District.
• Ability to use tools of the trade, both powered and non-powered in a safe and effective manner.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently without constant supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally to challenging or stressful situations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated good safety awareness.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license is required. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Must possess, or have the ability to learn, a working knowledge of the District’s rules and regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels.

Normal duties may include stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds using assistive devices or with assistance from other employees. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Work boots
• Protective gloves
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Chaps
• Earplugs or ear covers
• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt
• Respirators or masks
• Helmets

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.