JOBS

The Forest Preserve is looking for a Maintenance Tech Natural Resources to join their team. 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.
Pay ranges from $26.19 – $27.78 per hour. Eligible for performance review and possible pay increases biannually. Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account for Health and/or Dependent accounts, 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), 457 Retirement Plan. Uniforms will be provided, along with an annual safety boot and glasses allowance. 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.