Senior Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Your Opportunity

Advance your career in the natural resources field by gaining experience supporting projects to conserve, restore, and manage prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and other native habitats while expanding your network to include industry-leading scientists and environmental professionals.

This ecosystem restoration team works on a variety of projects in natural areas including properties owned by forest preserve districts, state and federal agencies, municipalities, energy providers, and private landowners.

This is a full-time (40+ hours per week), benefits eligible position.

Project travel may be required, up to 50% of the time.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Working with field crews to carry-out tasks related to ecosystem restoration and management on sites ranging from one to 100s of acres.
• Specific job tasks include invasive species identification and control (herbicide application, cutting, and mowing), native seeding and planting, prescribed burning, and brush and tree removal. Depending on experience and proficiency, equipment operation and tools to conduct the above tasks may include the use of light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide sprayers, ATVs / UTVs, tractors, and skid loaders with various attachments.
• Demonstrating skills and experience with field tasks such as plant identification, invasive species control methods, ecological restoration techniques, and natural area assessments.
• Lead field efforts for planning, collection, and documentation of field and written/tabular data for various restoration tasks.
• Implementing a safety-first mindset and applying all established health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) standards during all office and field operations.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• 3 to 5 + years of experience in natural areas management techniques including herbicide applications, cutting / mowing, controlled burning, and native planting.
• Positive, safety-first attitude.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Organized and capable of leading work assignments with attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret herbicide labels and Safety Data Sheets and apply herbicides following label instructions and safety procedures.
• Commitment to producing high quality in-field work products.
• Ability to walk 4-6 miles per day over rough terrain and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain state Pesticide Applicators licenses within one month, including applicable categories for herbicide application in natural areas and aquatic environments.
• A good driving record and valid state driver's license.
• Where lawful and at Stantec’s discretion, your passing drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred:

• Applied knowledge of upper Midwest native and invasive species, plant identification, natural areas, and ecology.
• Demonstrated experience with crew or volunteer leadership, mentorship, and effective team communication.
• Ability to operate and conduct routine preventative maintenance on a variety of equipment and tools that includes light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, tractors, skid-steers, UTVs/ATVs, chainsaws/brushsaws, and backpack herbicide sprayers.  Ability to coordinate and track equipment maintenance.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Intro (S-130 / S-190 / L-180).
• First Aid/CPR/AED training, OSHA 10-Hour, OSHA 30-Hour, and 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• ATV/UTV and chainsaw safety training.
• Valid commercial driver's license and/or Federal DOT Medical card.
• Current commercial Ohio/Indiana/Kentucky pesticide license.

Education:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Undergraduate or associate’s degree in an environmental discipline, preferred.

Hiring Period: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. If there is a delay in receiving a response, applications will remain active. Best efforts are given to review applications timely; however, hiring is handled in cycles.

Past Applicants: Past applicants are encouraged to reapply if not selected from previous years.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

About Stantec

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible. #INDES