BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Love of the outdoors
• Strong work ethic
• Willingness to learn required job skills (described below)
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including chainsaws, herbicideapplicators, tractors, trucks, trailers, and ATVs.
• Ability to perform arduous physical work in difficult terrain.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Restoration Technician eradicates invasive and non-native plants from conservation areas owned or managed by members of the Northwest Illinois Stewardship Cooperative (NISC). The Restoration Technician will implement invasive, exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest management strategies. Control strategies will include manual, mechanical, prescribed fire, and chemical techniques. This position may use accurate and detailed data collection to plan and report invasive species management using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

This includes the following functions:

• Removes exotic species using manual, mechanical, prescribed fire, and chemical techniques
• Documents stewardship activities and/or monitors species using computers and handheld electronic equipment
• Assists with prescribed burns
• Maintains tools and equipment
• Assists with preparing reports and presentations
• Assists with research and gathering of information on invasive species

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• 1-2 years training in a Natural Resources-related field or related experience in land management(preferred, but not required)
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize and identify plantand animal species.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; chainsaw, tractor, pumper, ATV, 4-wheel drive vehicle, brush cutter, etc.)
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather, such as carrying up to 40 lbs. up to 5 miles over steep terrain for 7 hours/day
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout northwest Illinois
• Ability and willingness to have a varying and flexible work schedule with occasional work on evenings and weekends.
• Ability to obtain proper prescribed fire certification including NWCG S130, S190, and S212, with the opportunity to advance to burn boss.
• Valid herbicide applicator’s license or ability to acquire such within 2 weeks of hire date.
• Valid driver’s license
• Computer literacy, including using a database to maintain land management records, use of the internet, and Microsoft Office Suite

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

• May resolve preserve management problems independently as delegated.
• Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex land management problems.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

• Consults supervisor on unusual or complex issues
• Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• Ability to work independently without direct oversight

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – SUPERVISORY:

• Receives detailed instructions to complete required tasks
• May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision
• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct work groups, including other staff or volunteers.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

• Ability to convey work instructions to other preserve management team members, including volunteers.
• Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.
• Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple supervisors in different locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Restoration Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• Require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• Require long hours occasionally in isolated settings
• Require the ability to work in extreme hot and cold temperatures
• Require tolerance of stinging and biting insects