The Restoration Technician position is a full-time, permanent position responsible for implementing and advancing ecological restoration activities on lands owned and managed by the Byron Forest Preserve District under the direction of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Restoration. Primary responsibilities include invasive plant species management, prescribed fire application, native plant re-introduction, seed collection, brush management, equipment operation and trail maintenance. Assisting with park and building maintenance duties and educational programs are also components of this position.

Reports to: Superintendent of Restoration/Parks and Assistant Superintendent of Restoration/Parks

Supervises: Seasonal, part-time and volunteers

Basic Functions:

• Implement natural resource management activities including invasive species control, brush control, native seed planting, seed collecting and processing, tree planting and other activities using manual, mechanical, cultural and chemical practices.
• Document stewardship activities and/or monitor species using computers and handheld electronic equipment.
• Implement prescribed fire plans as prescribed by burn boss.
• Maintains and operates most types of hand tools and power equipment.
• Adheres to all risk management rules and regulations issued by the district.
• Provide basic in-field training to crew members in the areas of plant ID, equipment operation and maintenance.
• Ensure that crew members are implementing ecological restoration activities according to prescription and in adherence to organizational policies and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in BFPD events with internal and external partners.
• Collaborate with supervisors to address crew and equipment issues and concerns.
• Assist with capital construction and development projects including sign installation, shelter construction and maintenance, woodshop projects, landscaping projects, fencing, and other projects as assigned.
• Assist the education department with school field trips as needed.
• Ability to lead public programs relating to our preserves and local ecology.
• Park maintenance tasks which include mowing, string trimming, debris and litter cleanup, landscaping, and other tasks.
• Requires ability to work well independently and with forest preserve staff and to assist and be helpful with forest preserve visitors.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management or related field preferred.
• Experience in restoration/park management including prescribed fire, invasive species control, chainsaw operation, equipment operation and native seed collecting, processing and planting.
• Knowledge of Illinois flora and fauna, especially in the northern Illinois region
• Required to possess or obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator or Applicator’s license.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG):
  • S-130 Firefighter Training (within 6 months of hire)
  • S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (within 6 months of hire)
  • Firefighter Type 2 – FFT2 (within 1 year of hire)
  • S-219 Firing Operations (within 1 year of hire)
• Safety and Woods Worker (SAWW) Levels 1 and 2 (within one year of hire) or equivalent chainsaw training
• Proven ability to work independently on restoration activities
• Maintain meaningful and accurate records of restoration activities
• Experience with basic maintenance to vehicles and equipment preferred.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent or Executive Director may find appropriate.

Working Environment & Conditions

• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain on a regular basis
• Approximately 90% of time is spent in the field performing restoration and maintenance activities, 10% office duties
• Lift and carry, bend and reach routinely
• Lift and carry 50lbs
• Carry 30lbs on your back.
• Safely operate hand tools and landscaping tools such as: drills, clearing saws, walk behind mowers, hedge trimmers, hand pruners, weed eaters, weed spades, and shovels.
• Safely operate multiple types of district vehicles and equipment including but not limited to tractors, UTVs, trucks, mowers, skid steers, back hoe, snowplows, and a mini-excavator.
• Work outside in all types of weather conditions (hot and humid summer weather and cold winter conditions).
• Work in conditions where there are biting and stinging insects and tall vegetation.
• Work in conditions with possibilities of exposure to minor cuts and burns.
• Work a flexible schedule that may vary from week to week or even daily.
• Work with proper personal protective equipment.