Maintenance Tech Natural Resources

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves 166 miles of trails 47 miles of rivers and streams and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The Districts mission is to acquire and hold lands containing forests prairies wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora fauna and scenic beauty for the education pleasure and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary
This position assists with the maintenance of the districts natural areas ecology volunteer programs and native plant nursery in concert with the restoration of forests prairies wetlands and plant communities in order to support and uphold the Districts Mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and perform natural areas restoration and maintenance activities.
Utilize various methods and equipment to suppress exotic and invasive species while promoting native biodiversity.
Assist in the annual maintenance and daily operations of the Districts Native Plant Nursery to support native plant propagation and restoration projects.
Participate in prescribed fire crews and pest control programs utilizing various techniques including herbicides mechanical control biological control and prescribed fire to manage invasive species.
Handle mix and apply pesticides using appropriate spray equipment and protective gear.
Maintain accurate records of work activities pesticide applications and related data.
Assist Ecology Staff in research inventory and data collection efforts and provide recommendations for species control and enhancement programs.
Operate equipment such as trailers tractors equipped with forestry mulcher or rotary cutter skid steer/rubber tracked loaders equipped with bucket or grapple bucket and front-end loader/backhoe.
Utilize and perform minor maintenance on mechanical and hand equipment i.e. clearing and chainsaws.
Participate in ecological management programs including sampling of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Oversee and guide seasonal staff in the completion of tasks.
Oversee the work of consultants and contractors involved in ecological initiatives.
Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules policies and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the districts safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean orderly and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:
Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
Technical Certification program of 2 years or less required Bachelors Degree in related field preferred; 1-3 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Illinois Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with tanker and airbrakes endorsement within six (6) months of employment in good standing.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operators License within six (6) months of employment.
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) I-100 S-130 and S-190 online components within one (1) year of employment and field component as soon as available.
First Aid CPR AED certification within six (6) months of employment.
Advanced knowledge of native and invasive flora identification.
Knowledge of ecological restoration methods techniques and materials.
Ability to handle controlled burning tools and equipment.
Knowledge of and experience operating equipment such as trailers tractors and skid steer/rubber-tracked loaders.
Demonstrate the ability to work independently while executing tasks with attention to detail.
Excel as a team member by participating and contributing to group efforts.
Ability to oversee the work of others and the completion of tasks.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Hours: Monday - Friday 6:45 am - 2:45 pm may include snowplowing on rotating weekends.

Starting Salary: $26.19 - 27.78 an hour.

Eligible for performance review and possible pay increases biannually.

Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield) Dental Vision Flexible Spending Account for Health and/or Dependent accounts Life Insurance Tuition Reimbursement 12 paid Holidays 12 paid Vacation Days 5 paid Personal Days 8 paid sick days Pension through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) 457 Retirement Plan. Uniforms will be provided along with an annual safety boot allowance.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect integrity teamwork and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.