Position Website with Application Information
Position Summary: Perform a variety of duties relating to the maintenance and restoration of woodland, wetland, prairie, and aquatic natural areas.
Essential Functions:
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Control invasive plant species by applying herbicide and removing plants in accordance with prescribed standards. Communicate with supervisor to understand and achieve natural area objectives.
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Collect seeds and assist in propagating plants. Prepare areas for planting, sow seeds, and plant native vegetation for ecological restoration.
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Implement prescribed burns and winter projects within natural areas.
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May use GIS mapping and GPS technology to assist with the tracking and record keeping of natural resource projects.
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Learn, understand, and demonstrate the ability to safely operate and maintain all pesticides, tools and equipment according to the operator’s manuals.
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Provide guidance and direction to volunteers and seasonal employees.
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Participate in snow removal operations, including snow shoveling, snow blowing, and application of deicing materials.
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Assist with the set-up for special events and other large-scale grounds projects, as assigned.
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Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required. 9+ months of experience required. In lieu of this, a comparable combination of education, experience or training in natural resources management that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual. Ability to identify major plant genera, field identification, growth characteristics, and horticultural requirements of plants required. Strong interest in native plants and their proper culture and care. Ability to safely operate essential equipment and tools, and have a basic understanding of them, including their care and maintenance. GIS mapping and GPS technology skills preferred. Must be able to obtain and maintain an Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License within 30 days of hire. Must be able to obtain Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Training certificate within first year. Must become certified and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR (classes provided). Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report, within one year of hire. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with Google applications beneficial.
Success Factors: Excellent physical condition. Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions. Willingness to work alone or as part of a team. Strong communication skills with the ability to provide guidance and give direction to volunteers and seasonal employees. Ability to learn basic GIS mapping and GPS technology skills. Ability to embrace and align with the organization’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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 these essential functions.
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Physical Demands: Requires regular physical activity: limited lifting (up to 100 lbs. assisted), and carrying (up to 50 lbs.), bending, pushing and pulling. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required.
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Environment: Arboretum grounds. Work is performed primarily outdoors.
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Equipment: Herbicide and related application sprayers and equipment, prescribed burn equipment, equipment to control invasive species, chainsaw, landscape equipment, snow removal equipment, chainsaw, van, front-end loader, utility vehicle, two-way radio, general office equipment.
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Schedule: Work requires occasional evening and weekend hours.