Position Website and Application Information
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 District's 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 performs data entry and analysis working with multiple software applications ranging from database management systems to GIS. Coordinating and maintaining ecological databases and maps in support of natural resource restoration and monitoring activities. This person will be able to analyze data sets and provide reason, rationale, and guidance on past, current, and future projects and initiatives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Input, manage, maintain, and analyze ecological and geospatial databases.
- Create and maintain apps using ArcGIS Online to facilitate geospatial data collection.
- Transition databases to cloud-based platforms.
- Query, sort, analyze, and report on natural resource data requests.
- Work with data from a variety of disciplines ranging from plants, wildlife, aquatics, restoration work, budget tracking, and staff time.
- Assist other staff members with the maintenance and collection of GIS and spatial data.
- Generate maps, graphs, analyses, queries, and reports as needed by staff for internal and external reports, projects, and presentations.
- Assist other departments with editing and providing Natural Resources content for social media, web content, illustrations and communications, and marketing materials.
- Deliver training and technical support to other staff members.
- Assist with prescribed burns and minor restoration projects in the field.
- 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 District's 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.
- Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, Data Management, GIS Management, or a related field and 1-3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Valid Driver's License in good standing.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office package including MS Access.
- Demonstrated proficiency with ESRI software products including ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro.
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) I-100, S-130, S-190, within two (2) years of employment or equivalent.
- Familiarity with MS Azure SQL.
- Proficiency in understanding ecosystems and their preservation.
- Familiarity with techniques for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting natural resource information and statistical analysis.
- 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.
Starting Pay: $65,582 - $71,656 annually.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7AM-3:30PM or 6:30AM - 3PM.
Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flex Spending, Wellness Screenings, 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).
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.