Natural Resources Technician

Classification: Fulltime

Department: Natural Resources

Work Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet IL) with regular travel to all District sites.

FSLA: NonExempt

IMRF: Eligible

Compensation: Grade 6: $21.35 $30.92 starting pay at base of range.

Hours: Typical work hours are 6:30am5:00pm Monday through Thursday unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings weekends and holidays will be required depending on operational needs.

Starting Date: 6/2/2025 (applications will be accepted until the position is filled)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Natural Resources Technician is responsible for assisting with natural areas management throughout the Preserves. This includes invasive plant management; restoration and conservation of prairie/savanna forest/woodlands and wetlands; and support of the Preserves education and recreation efforts.

Supervisory Relationships

The Natural Resources Technician reports to the Director of Natural Resources. This position may assist in supervising the daily work of seasonal employees interns and/or volunteers.

Essential Functions

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify native and invasive species in natural areas.

Handle mix and apply herbicides and pesticides using various spray equipment.

Conduct field sampling prepare environmental analyses and report field conditions to supervisor.

Prepare sites for planting of trees shrubs or seeds as directed to support restoration efforts.

Participate in seed collection and seed processing.

Perform prescribed burns as a member of a burn crew.

Assist with tree/brush removal.

Use various tools of the trade including but not limited to: trucks tractors mowers backhoes skidsteers chain saws brush cutters and hand tools.

Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean safe and efficient working order.

Assist with supervision of daily work assignments for seasonal employees interns and volunteers.

Assist with performing and documenting safety orientation for seasonal staff and/or volunteers.

Perform all job tasks in compliance with the Districts Safety Manual and the department training manual.

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in parks and recreation natural resources forestry or other closely related field. The CCFPD will also consider candidates who hold a high school degree associates degree or trade degree combined with five years of comparable work and/or life experience will also be considered.

Knowledge of and/or experience in conservation biology restoration ecology environmental science hydrology soil science environmental laws and regulations and/or environmental impact assessment principles and practices.

Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator license or the ability to obtain within 3 months of employment.

Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna and/or Midwest ecosystems is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships throughout the Preserves.

Ability to use tools of the trade both powered and nonpowered in a safe and effective manner.

Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently without constant supervision.

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally to challenging or stressful situations.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.

Demonstrated good safety awareness.

Ability to use standard office equipment including a computer. Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Valid drivers license is required. Commercial Drivers License (CDL) is preferred.

CPR/AED and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.

Must possess or have the ability to learn a working knowledge of the Preserves rules and regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions including heat cold rain snow or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy wild parsnip biting/stinging insects ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies herbicides/pesticides and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels.

Normal duties may include stooping twisting climbing balancing kneeling crouching and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking often on unpaved/uneven terrain will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle grasp or feel objects; reach push or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds using assistive devices or with assistance from other employees. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision distance vision peripheral vision and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include but is not limited to the following items:

Work boots

Protective gloves

Safety goggles or glasses

Chaps

Earplugs or ear covers

Reflective vest or hivis shirt

Respirators or masks

Helmets

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy and gender identity) national origin political affiliation sexual orientation marital status disability genetic information age parental status military service or any other nonmerit factor.