Job Description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CREW – PERMANENT PART-TIME RESTORATION TECHNICIAN

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is accepting resumes for a Natural Resource Management Crew – Permanent Part-Time Technician. This position assists with land management, restoration and research activities listed within annual preserve management schedules.

The Natural Resource Management Crew – Permanent Part-Time Restoration Technician is a permanent position, with a pay rate of $18.00 per hour.  See the attached Job Description outlining duties, skills, abilities, training, experience, and working conditions or visit https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/about/employment/ for more information.

Resumes will be accepted until April 7, 2025.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter describing interest and a resume to:

Veronica Frausto-Sarwark, Director of Human Resources

Forest Preserve District of Will County

17540 W. Laraway Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433

815-722-5669 (desk)

815-722-3608 (fax)

[email protected]

The Forest Preserve District of Will County does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, or disability. In offering employment opportunities to the public, the Forest Preserve District will make reasonable modifications to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity. To request this document in large print, audio, or Braille, contact the Director of Marketing and Communications, Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, IL 60433; [email protected]; 815.722.9383 (voice); 800.526.0844 (TDD). Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance. While the Forest Preserve District of Will County will make every effort to meet requests in a timely fashion, some requests may take longer than others to fulfill. Persons believing that they have been discriminated against by the Forest Preserve District of Will County may file a complaint alleging discrimination with the Forest Preserve District or the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.doi.gov.

WILL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:  NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – PERMANENT PART-TIME RESTORATION TECHNICIAN

DEPARTMENT: CONSERVATION

FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT                                                                                          DATE: JANUARY 2024

LOCATION: CHERRY HILL OPERATIONS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FACILITY

BASIC FUNCTION

Under general supervision, provide manual assistance in the implementation of natural area management plans and land restoration activities designed to improve the ecological condition of Forest Preserve Properties.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:

• Natural Resource Management Coordinator

Supervises:

• None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Brush and invasive species control, including cutting with the use of chainsaws and other hand equipment, herbicide applications, mowing, and hand pulling.
2. Native grass and forb seed collection and processing.
3. Installation of plugs, bare root stock, shrubs or saplings, and seed distribution.
4. Assistance with wildlife management projects as needed.
5. Assistance with deployment and field maintenance of wildlife monitoring equipment.
6. Assistance with Prescribed Fire Program including control line preparation, equipment maintenance, and implementation.
7. Removal of trash and other debris from natural areas.
8. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must effectively communicate in written and oral formats.
• Competence and experience in using basic tools of natural area management in a safe and effective manner, including maintaining (cleaning & sharpening) chainsaws and cutting trees > 12” DBH, operating clearing saws, leaf blowers, brush mowers, backpack and tank sprayers, and operating and maintaining loppers and pruning shears and saws.
• Being in good physical condition with the ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and physically capable of lifting and transporting 50 lb. objects over uneven terrain.
• Knowledge of Midwest flora, including native and non-native species identification.
• Have or be willing to acquire an Illinois pesticide public applicator’s license with rights-of-way and aquatic categories.
• Have or be willing to procure a Chicago Wilderness Midwest Ecological Prescribed Crew Member Certificate or completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130/S190 coursework.  District will provide training if needed.
• Must possess and maintain a current and valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Have or be willing to develop skills in operating and loading ATVs and UTVs, as well as attaching and driving equipment trailers not requiring a CDL.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Recent graduate or college student studying in the fields of Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or other related fields is preferred.

Experience:  Six months of experience participating in natural resource management work is preferred.

Certifications:            Possession of, or willingness to procure, National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130/190, I-100 certificates, or Chicago Wilderness Midwest Ecological Prescription Fire Crew Member training.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

Work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. This is an active job. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, talk, and hear.
2. While performing the duties of this job the employee occasionally works near moving parts; works outside in extreme heat or cold weather conditions; lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds; is exposed to fumes, airborne particles, smoke, and toxic or caustic chemicals and potentially hazardous plants and animals.
3. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
4. The noise level in this job is usually moderate but can be high.

PAY RATE AND Benefits

Hourly Rate: $18.00 (Grade 6)

Schedule: Part-time – Flexible Monday through Friday workdays not exceeding 20 hours average per week over a twelve-month period and not more than 960 total hours in any twelve-month period.  Occasional weekend workdays will be required. A typical schedule will be agreed upon during the hiring process.

Benefits:  Sick time and vacation in accordance with the employee handbook, option to purchase supplemental life insurance, option to elect deferred compensation plans, employee assistance program.

How to Apply

Resumes will be accepted until April 7, 2025.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter describing interest and a resume to:

Veronica Frausto-Sarwark, Director of Human Resources

Forest Preserve District of Will County

17540 W. Laraway Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433

815-722-5669 (desk)

815-722-3608 (fax)

[email protected]

Job Categories: Conservation. Job Types: Part-Time. Salaries: See posting for details.

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