Maintenance Tech Natural Resources

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of it's citizens.

Job Summary

This position assists with the maintenance of the District's natural areas, ecology, volunteer programs, and native plant nursery in concert with the restoration of forests, prairies, wetlands, and plant communities in order to support and uphold the District's Mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and perform natural areas restoration and maintenance activities.
• Utilize various methods and equipment to suppress exotic and invasive species while promoting native biodiversity.
• Assist in the annual maintenance and daily operations of the District's Native Plant Nursery to support native plant propagation and restoration projects.
• Participate in prescribed fire crews and pest control programs, utilizing various techniques including herbicides, mechanical control, biological control, and prescribed fire to manage invasive species.
• Handle, mix, and apply pesticides using appropriate spray equipment and protective gear.
• Maintain accurate records of work activities, pesticide applications, and related data.
• Assist Ecology Staff in research, inventory, and data collection efforts, and provide recommendations for species control and enhancement programs.
• Operate equipment such as trailers, tractors equipped with forestry mulcher or rotary cutter, skid steer/rubber tracked loaders equipped with bucket or grapple bucket, and front-end loader/backhoe.
• Utilize and perform minor maintenance on mechanical, and hand equipment i.e. clearing and chainsaws.
• Participate in ecological management programs including sampling of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Oversee and guide seasonal staff in the completion of tasks.
• Oversee the work of consultants and contractors involved in ecological initiatives.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field, 1-3 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Illinois Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker and airbrakes endorsement within one (1) year of employment in good standing.
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operator's License within six (6) months of employment.
• First Aid CPR AED certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Advanced knowledge of native and invasive flora identification.
• Knowledge of ecological restoration methods, techniques, and materials.
• Ability to handle controlled burning tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of and experience operating equipment such as trailers, tractors, and skid steer/rubber-tracked loaders.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently while executing tasks with attention to detail.
• Excel as a team member by participating and contributing to group efforts.
• Ability to oversee the work of others and the completion of tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Schedule: Availability should include occasional weekends and holidays, based on department needs.

Starting Pay: $25.36 - $29.40 an hour.

Uniform provided and eligible for annual boot reimbursement.

Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flex Spending, Wellness Screenings, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 12 paid Holidays, 12 paid Vacation Days, 5 paid Personal Days, 8 paid sick days, Pension through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an EEO employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Salary : $25 - $29