Natural Resources Technician

Natural Resources Technician

Full Time Position

The Galena Territory Association is a residential, recreation, and resort community located near Galena, Illinois. There are 1900 acres of greenspace, which is open space owned and managed by the Association for the benefit of our property owners. The greenspace includes 26 miles of trails and several established woodland, savanna, prairie, and wetland restoration sites. The Association is seeking a full-time restoration technician to steward the Greenspace, maintain trails, and expand restoration sites.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implement stewardship and invasive species management plans.
• Manage invasive plant species, including manual removal, mowing, and herbicide application.
• Oak woodland management through brush and tree clearing and building/managing burn piles.
• Participate on a prescribed burn crew to safely and effectively apply fire to greenspace restoration sites.
• Maintain trail system, including regular mowing, minor repairs, remove fallen trees, and maintain clearance for equestrian use.
• Mapping and data collection with handheld and desktop GIS programs
• Operate and maintain small engines (chainsaw, brush saw, backpack blower, auger)
• Operate tractor and skid-steer
• Work outdoors during all seasons and environmental conditions (heat and humidity, cold and snow, wet, stinging/biting insects, steep terrain)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences (botany, conservation, natural resources, forestry, ecology, etc.) and 1 year field experience preferred. Additional relevant field experience can substitute for a college degree.
• Ability to identify and distinguish native and non-native plants.
• Ability to perform strenuous manual labor outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, lift and carry 50+ pounds, and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work independently
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must obtain Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License and NWCG S130/S190 Wildfire Training Certification.