Ecological Technician

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

• Conduct restoration activities including but not limited to: invasive species removal, vegetation management, prairie maintenance, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, tree felling, and erosion control installation.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude in regards to actions, decisions, and adherence to the employee handbook.
• Conduct and maintain situational awareness for the safety of oneself and crew.
• Pull trailers, equipment, and implements within state and federal guidelines.
• Operate equipment and implements in a safe and timely manner.
• Be able to identify common native and non-native plant species.
• Operate basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as backpack sprayers, augers, chainsaws, and brushcutters.
• Perform vegetation sampling according to contract specifications.
• Follow best management practices according to technical specifications within contracts.
• Work in inclement weather, including year around weather conditions, and work in uneven terrain in potentially remote locations.
• Participate and engage in any training necessary to acquire the skills required to conduct the duties and responsibilities listed here.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Report any known/observed vehicle and equipment maintenance to lead or supervisor.
• Work independently or with a team under the direction of a supervisor or lead.
• Offer creative solutions or options, and be capable of independent problem solving.
• Maintain working knowledge for project specifications.
• Report any incidents or issues regarding personnel, direct or indirect, and/or equipment immediately to supervisor.
• Maintain flexibility with scheduling changes as necessary.
• Travel up to 75%.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Ability to work well with a team and adapt to changing priorities and tasks.
• Ability to traverse wet and/or rugged terrain in diverse, sometimes inclement, weather conditions while carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to consistently have an awareness of safety for themselves and our crew.
• Valid Driver's License with the ability to drive a company vehicle and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to manage themselves in independent tasks as well as follow directions.
• A desire to learn skills necessary for success in the position.
• A passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management.
• Ability to obtain all required licenses within specified timelines.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's of Sciences Degree in either Environmental Science, Ecology, Wildlife, Botany, Biology, Fisheries, Forestry or similar field.
• Experience operating basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as backpack sprayers, augers, chainsaws, and/or brushcutters.
• Experience with native and non-native plant identification.
• Experience operating large equipment such as ATVs/UTVs, tractors, chippers, and/or skid steers.
• Basic First Aid, CPR, and/or have basic prescribed fire training.
• Experience in map reading, GIS, and/or operating a GPS.
• Experience with herbicide handling, application, and application equipment and individual(s) will be required to obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicator's Certifications in Categories A, F, and J within 3 months.
• Basic small engine maintenance and repair.

Benefits:

• A variety of health insurance options include vision, dental, and accident.
• 401k matching available immediately upon hire.
• PTO following 6 month probationary period.
• Flexible scheduling may be available upon request.
• Overtime pay past 40 hr/wk