Seasonal Restoration Technician

Who We Are

Olson Ecological Solutions (OES) is a woman-owned ecological consulting and restoration firm, serving federal, state, local, and private entities in the Upper Midwest Region. We specialize in wetlands, water quality of streams and lakes, and restoration of high quality native remnants and natural areas. We deliver solutions that provide natural storm water filters in rural and developed settings, such as rain gardens or constructed wetlands, including in river corridors, drainage systems, parks, and neighborhoods. The consultants at OES spend most of their time preparing watershed-based plans to prevent nonpoint source pollution from entering our streams and lakes, completing wetland delineations and the associated permitting, and designing best management practices (BMPs) and green infrastructure related to stormwater runoff. The restoration crew stewards natural communities in public open spaces, wetland mitigation sites, and forest preserves in the Chicagoland Region. Restoration Technicians spend most their time removing invasive species and encouraging the growth of native species in established and restored natural communities.

Job Description

Our ecological restoration team cares for natural areas in the Cook County (Chicago region), positively impacting habitat and open space. The Seasonal Restoration Technician (Technician) is part of this team and provides ecological restoration services focused on the control of invasive species, mostly by selective herbicide application to targeted species growing among native plants. The team consists of staff members of Olson Ecological Solutions (OES) and a prime contractor. This is a seasonal position, typically from April through October. Students with a summer schedule within this range are encouraged to apply. Visit our Careers page for more information about the role and OES: http://www.olsonecosolutions.com/careers.html

QUALIFICATIONS

• Plant identification
• Small tool and equipment operation
• Be enthusiastic, courteous, cooperative, positive, and a team player
• Must be 18 years or older

CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Be able to obtain and maintain a Pesticide Operator’s/Applicator’s license in Illinois and potentially additional states (most likely Indiana or Wisconsin).
• Hold and maintain a state issued driver’s license free from suspension or revocation

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work requires exposure to disagreeable conditions. Be willing and able to work outdoors on uneven terrain and in adverse weather and wetness conditions
• Work approximately 37 hours per week, 5 days per week depending on weather and workload
• Required to meet at work sites with personal vehicle
• Use of personal protective equipment is required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The Technician must be able to perform the essential duties of this job as described below at the direction of the Crew Leader. This list is not exhaustive.

• Herbicide application (backpack sprayer)
• Spot-mowing
• Brush cutting, piling, and removal of woody vegetation
• Assist prescribed, controlled burning
• Install native plant materials (plugs, seed, bare root)
• Use small hand tools, gas-powered tools, and machinery (e.g. chipper, ATV, chainsaw, weed whacker)

Pay

When working on the Forest Preserves of Cook County contract, technicians will be paid no less than the Cook County Living Wage, which is currently $18.75/hr. We’ve found that our technicians spend approximately 96% of their time working under this contract, though this may vary slightly from year to year.