Restoration Technician

Restoration Technician (2-Year Term, with possibly of extension) 

An exciting opportunity is available to work for Ducks Unlimited, the leader in wetlands conservation. The goal of the Restoration Technician Position is to assist with wetland restoration efforts. This is an excellent opportunity for a budding resource professional to gain experience with Ducks Unlimited’s wetland mitigation and conservation programs and become knowledgeable about applied aspects of restoration and adaptive management. This position is primarily a field-based position, working closely with staff responsible for the many aspects of habitat conservation. 

The successful candidate will perform a range of adaptive management activities on DU-managed wetland and upland restoration projects. These tasks will include transporting and operating a tractor or ATV to mow grasslands and berms, working with and assisting conservation staff leading volunteer groups to inventory and manage planted trees (e.g., weeding, mowing, pruning, re-staking, re-planting). The candidate will develop skills in vegetative management, ATV operation, tractor operation, and vegetation identification. The Restoration Technician will report to Ducks Unlimited’s North Atlantic Field Office located in Syracuse, New York. 

The position will include frequent travel and overnight stay to work at field sites throughout upstate New York. The ability to travel and stay overnight in hotels near project sites is required. Applicant will participate in equipment operation safety training as a requirement of employment.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife ecology, plant & soil sciences (or a similar discipline), or a combination of education and experience is preferred. 

Salary: Starting salary range is $24.04 – $26.92 per hour and will be negotiable with qualifications and experience. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Extensive travel and work in field conditions.
• Perform grassland and wetland berm mowing with a tractor and ATV.
• Perform vegetative and invasive species management, including some operation of power tools (e.g., weedwhacker, chainsaw).
• Planting and seeding of recently restored wetland projects.
• Perform tree mortality assessments on restored sites (i.e., field data collection).
• Tree planting and maintenance: weeding, mulching, re-staking.
• Support biologists and other staff in the delivery of habitat conservation programs, including:
  • Vegetation monitoring pre- and post-restoration for monitoring reports
  • Wetland delineation support
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with landowners, neighbors, regulatory personnel, and project collaborators during activities
• Other duties as assigned.
• Always represent DU in a professional manner.

Qualifications: 

• Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks in field conditions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness and ability to tow a trailer and to operate a tractor and ATV.
• Relevant experience in plant, wetland, or waterfowl ecology or habitat conservation is desirable.
• Ability to identify local vegetation.
• Ability to perform wetland delineations is preferred but training will be available.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• The successful candidate will be asked to travel, sometimes for extended periods (1 week at a time), and work in physically demanding settings and in all weather conditions.
• Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors throughout most seasons, navigating uneven terrain, dense vegetation, exposure to insects, and changing weather conditions.